arXiv subjects

P. Monti-Guarnieri

Publications and source records attributed to P. Monti-Guarnieri.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Exploring the nature of Galactic unassociated sources detected by the Fermi-LAT

We investigate the nature of the unassociated sources detected by the Fermi-LAT close (|b|<10°) to the Galactic plane, representing 16% of all sources in the 4FGL-DR4 catalog. The bulk of these sources (referred to as soft Galactic unassociated sources, SGUs) exhibit properties not found in known classes of gamma-ray emitters, as confirmed by a machine-learning classification approach. In particular, these properties include a steep, curved spectrum peaking below 1 GeV and a specific Galactic-latitude distribution with both a narrow and a broad component (dubbed the spike and the shoulder, respectively). Some source clusters are highlighted. New plausible source classes are explored, but only star-forming regions are found to account for a significant fraction (at most 10%) of the unassociated population. A thorough search for counterparts to the 175 brightest sources brings out a number of plausible counterparts but does not reveal clues about the nature of the whole population. We investigate the possibility that SGUs originate from mismodeled clumps of diffuse emission. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the SGU spectra can be reproduced in this scenario under an ad hoc condition concerning the clump spatial extension. The possible connection between the SGUs and gas not accounted for by the 12CO tracer is explored using the 13CO MOPRA data but leads to inconclusive results. The origin of SGUs being related to diffuse emission remains plausible. However, a scenario whereby SGUs represent a new class of gamma-ray emitters cannot be fully excluded.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Gamma-ray signature of superluminous supernovae: Fermi-LAT GeV detection of SN 2017egm and evidence of a central engine

Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are a rare class of transients with peak luminosities 10-100 times greater than those of standard core-collapse supernovae (SNe). The mechanisms powering their extreme brightness remain debated, with circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction, or energy injection from a central engine like a magnetar wind nebula being the most plausible scenarios. To further constrain the underlying mechanism, we carried out a systematic search for GeV gamma-ray emission using the Fermi-LAT telescope from a sample of nearby hydrogen-poor (Type I) and hydrogen-rich (Type II) SLSNe over the past 16 years. Among the sample, only SN 2017egm shows significant gamma-ray emission, with likelihood test statistic (TS) values of 26-33 (i.e., >5$σ$) depending on the adopted time window. The signal arises between 50 and 160 days after explosion and is well described by a power-law spectrum with index $Γ=2.17 \pm 0.23$. The emission is consistent both in terms of its light curve and its spectrum, with predictions from magnetar models requiring either low nebular magnetization or faster spin-down than dipole losses. The CSM shell interaction scenario can reproduce the observed flux level but not the observed timing of the gamma-ray signal. In addition, the observed ratio, $L_γ/L_{opt} \sim 1$, is inconsistent with theoretical expectations and not in line with ratio measurements in other interacting CSM-dominated objects (e.g., novae or SNe) where this ratio is less than $10^{-2}$. Our study strongly suggests that a central engine like a magnetar plays a key role in this SLSN and could explain the bulk of the optical and gamma-ray light curves properties. Finally, simulations of 50 hours of CTAO observations indicate that a SN 2017egm-like event would be detectable up to 140 Mpc in the magnetar model but not in the CSM model due to strong gamma-gamma absorption.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

R&D on a high-performance electromagnetic calorimeter based on oriented crystalline scintillators

Although inorganic scintillators are widely used in the design of electromagnetic calorimeters for high-energy physics and astrophysics, their crystalline nature and, hence, their lattice orientation are generally neglected in the detector design. However, in general, the features of the electromagnetic field experienced by the particles impinging on a crystal at a small angle with respect to a lattice axis affect their interaction mechanisms. In particular, in case of electrons/photons of $\mathcal{O} (10~\mathrm{GeV})$ or higher impinging on a high-$Z$ crystal at an angle of $\lesssim 1~\mathrm{mrad}$, the so-called strong field regime is attained: the bremsstrahlung and pair production cross sections are enhanced with respect to the case of amorphous or randomly oriented materials. Overall, the increase of these processes leads to an acceleration of the electromagnetic shower development. These effects are thoroughly investigated by the OREO (ORiEnted calOrimeter) team, and pave the way to the development of innovative calorimeters with a higher energy resolution, a higher efficiency in photon detection and an improved particle identification capabilities due to the relative boost of the electromagnetic interactions with respect to the hadronic ones. Moreover, a detector with the same resolution as the current state of the art and reduced thickness could be developed. An overview of the lattice effects at the foundation of the shower boost and of the current status of the development of an operational calorimeter prototype are presented. This concept could prove pivotal for both accelerator fixed-target experiments and satellite-borne $γ$-ray observatories.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Puzzling Variation of Gamma Rays from the Sun over the Solar Cycle Revealed with Fermi-LAT

The steady-state gamma-ray emission from the Sun is thought to consist of two emission components due to interactions with Galactic cosmic rays: (1) a hadronic disk component, and (2) a leptonic extended component peaking at the solar edge and extending into the heliosphere. The flux of these components is expected to vary with the 11-year solar cycle, being highest during solar minimum and lowest during solar maximum, as it varies with the cosmic-ray flux. No study has yet analyzed the flux variation of each component over solar cycles. In this work, we measure the temporal variations of the flux of each component over 15 years of Fermi Large Area Telescope observations and compare them with the sunspot number and Galactic cosmic-ray flux from AMS-02 near Earth. We find that the flux variation of the disk anticorrelates with the sunspot number and correlates with cosmic-ray protons, as expected, confirming its emission mechanism. In contrast, the extended component exhibits a more complex variation: despite an initial anticorrelation with the sunspot number, we find neither anticorrelation with the sunspot number nor correlation with cosmic-ray electrons over the full 15-year period. This most likely suggests that cosmic-ray transport and modulation in the inner heliosphere are unexpectedly complex and may differ for electrons and protons or, alternatively, that there is an additional, unknown component of gamma rays or cosmic rays. These findings impact space weather research and emphasize the need for close monitoring of Cycle 25 and the ongoing polarity reversal.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Performance of short and long bent crystals for the TWOCRYST experiment at the Large Hadron Collider

This study investigates the performance of bent silicon crystals intended to channel hadrons in a fixed-target experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The phenomenon of planar channelling in bent crystals enables extremely high effective bending fields for positively charged hadrons within compact volumes. Particles trapped in the potential well of high-purity, ordered atomic lattices follow the mechanical curvature of the crystal, resulting in macroscopic deflections. Although the bend angle remains constant across different momenta (i.e., the phenomenon is non-dispersive), the channelling acceptance and efficiency still depend on the particle momentum. Crystals with lengths from 5 cm to 10 cm, bent to angles between 5 mrad and 15 mrad, are under consideration for measurements of the electric and magnetic dipole moments of short-lived charmed baryons, such as the Lambda_c^+. Such large deflection angles over short distances cannot be achieved using conventional magnets. The principle of inducing spin precession through bent crystals for magnetic dipole moment measurements was first demonstrated in the 1990s. Building on this concept, experimental layouts are now being explored at the LHC. The feasibility of such measurements depends, among other factors, on the availability of crystals with the mechanical properties required to achieve the necessary channelling performance. To address this, a dedicated machine experiment, TWOCRYST, has been installed in the LHC to carry out beam tests in the TeV energy range. The bent crystals for TWOCRYST were fabricated and tested using X-ray diffraction and high-momentum hadron beams at 180 GeV/c at the CERN SPS. This paper presents an analysis of the performance of these newly developed crystals, as characterised by these measurements.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Coherent radiation in axially oriented industrial-grade tungsten crystals: A viable path for an innovative γ-rays and positron sources

It is known that the alignment of an high-energy e- beam with specific crystal directions leads to a significant increase of the coherent radiation emission. This enhancement can be exploited to create an intense photon source. An elective application is an innovative positron source design for future lepton colliders. Such scheme takes advantage of lattice coherent effects by employing a high-Z crystalline radiator, followed by an amorphous metallic converter, to generate positrons via a two-step electromagnetic process. Additional applications can be in neutron production through photo-transmutation and radionuclide generation via photo-nuclear reactions. In this work, we present experimental results obtained from beam tests at CERN's PS facility using commercial industrial-grade tungsten crystals. The obtained results demonstrate the robust performance of industrial-grade radiators, even with their inherent imperfections, suggesting that it is possible to simplify the supply process and it is not strictly necessary to rely on highly specialized research infrastructures.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2024

Search for Extended GeV Sources in the Inner Galactic Plane

The recent detection of extended $γ$-ray emission around middle-aged pulsars is interpreted as inverse-Compton scattering of ambient photons by electron-positron pairs escaping the pulsar wind nebula, which are confined near the system by unclear mechanisms. This emerging population of $γ$-ray sources was first discovered at TeV energies and remains underexplored in the GeV range. To address this, we conducted a systematic search for extended sources along the Galactic plane using 14 years of Fermi-LAT data above 10 GeV, aiming to identify a number of pulsar halo candidates and extend our view to lower energies. The search covered the inner Galactic plane ($\lvert l\rvert\leq$ 100$^{\circ}$, $\lvert b\rvert\leq$ 1$^{\circ}$) and the positions of known TeV sources and bright pulsars, yielding broader astrophysical interest. We found 40 such sources, forming the Second Fermi Galactic Extended Sources Catalog (2FGES), most with 68% containment radii smaller than 1.0$^{\circ}$ and relatively hard spectra with photon indices below 2.5. We assessed detection robustness using field-specific alternative interstellar emission models and by inspecting significance maps. Noting 13 sources previously known as extended in the 4FGL-DR3 catalog and five dubious sources from complex regions, we report 22 newly detected extended sources above 10 GeV. Of these, 13 coincide with H.E.S.S., HAWC, or LHAASO sources; six coincide with bright pulsars (including four also coincident with TeV sources); six are associated with 4FGL point sources only; and one has no association in the scanned catalogs. Notably, six to eight sources may be related to pulsars as classical pulsar wind nebulae or pulsar halos.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

GRB 221009A: the B.O.A.T Burst that Shines in Gamma Rays

We present a complete analysis of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data of GRB 221009A, the brightest Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) ever detected. The burst emission above 30 MeV detected by the LAT preceded by 1 s the low-energy (< 10 MeV) pulse that triggered the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM), as has been observed in other GRBs. The prompt phase of GRB 221009A lasted a few hundred seconds. It was so bright that we identify a Bad Time Interval (BTI) of 64 seconds caused by the extremely high flux of hard X-rays and soft gamma rays, during which the event reconstruction efficiency was poor and the dead time fraction quite high. The late-time emission decayed as a power law, but the extrapolation of the late-time emission during the first 450 seconds suggests that the afterglow started during the prompt emission. We also found that high-energy events observed by the LAT are incompatible with synchrotron origin, and, during the prompt emission, are more likely related to an extra component identified as synchrotron self-Compton (SSC). A remarkable 400 GeV photon, detected by the LAT 33 ks after the GBM trigger and directionally consistent with the location of GRB 221009A, is hard to explain as a product of SSC or TeV electromagnetic cascades, and the process responsible for its origin is uncertain. Because of its proximity and energetic nature, GRB 221009A is an extremely rare event.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Development of nanocomposite scintillators for use in high-energy physics

Semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) are light emitters with high quantum yield that are relatively easy to manufacture. There is therefore much interest in their possible application for the development of high-performance scintillators for use in high-energy physics. However, few previous studies have focused on the response of these materials to high-energy particles. To evaluate the potential for the use of nanocomposite scintillators in calorimetry, we are performing side-by-side tests of fine-sampling shashlyk calorimeter prototypes with both conventional and nanocomposite scintillators using electron and minimum-ionizing particle beams, allowing direct comparison of the performance obtained.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Beam test, simulation, and performance evaluation of PbF$_2$ and PWO-UF crystals with SiPM readout for a semi-homogeneous calorimeter prototype with longitudinal segmentation

Crilin (Crystal Calorimeter with Longitudinal Information) is a semi-homogeneous, longitudinally segmented electromagnetic calorimeter based on high-$Z$, ultra-fast crystals with UV-extended SiPM readout. The Crilin design has been proposed as a candidate solution for both a future Muon Collider barrel ECAL and for the Small Angle Calorimeter of the HIKE experiment. As a part of the Crilin development program, we have carried out beam tests of small ($10\times10\times40$~mm$^3$) lead fluoride (PbF$_2$) and ultra-fast lead tungstate (PbWO$_4$, PWO) crystals with 120~GeV electrons at the CERN SPS to study the light yield, timing response, and systematics of light collection with a proposed readout scheme. For a single crystal of PbF$_2$, corresponding to a single Crilin cell, a time resolution of better than 25~ps is obtained for $>$3 GeV of deposited energy. For a single cell of \pwo, a time resolution of better than 45~ps is obtained for the same range of deposited energy. This timing performance fully satisfies the design requirements for the Muon Collider and HIKE experiments. Further optimizations of the readout scheme and crystal surface preparation are expected to bring further improvements.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

HIKE, High Intensity Kaon Experiments at the CERN SPS

A timely and long-term programme of kaon decay measurements at a new level of precision is presented, leveraging the capabilities of the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). The proposed programme is firmly anchored on the experience built up studying kaon decays at the SPS over the past four decades, and includes rare processes, CP violation, dark sectors, symmetry tests and other tests of the Standard Model. The experimental programme is based on a staged approach involving experiments with charged and neutral kaon beams, as well as operation in beam-dump mode. The various phases will rely on a common infrastructure and set of detectors.

hep-ex↗