MCP-TimePix3 at OARPAF: a pathfinder for an imaging detector with high time resolution for astronomy

Abstract

We present a project aiming at evaluating a novel hybrid imaging/timing detector concept comprising a photocathode, a chevron-stack micro-channel plate, and a TimePix3 readout ASIC for the detection of visible photons with high time resolution and good quantum efficiency and spatial resolution. Due to these attributes, this detector holds significant promise for time-domain astronomy. The evaluation and data collection for this project will primarily occur at the OARPAF observatory (80 cm primary mirror) with the objective of pioneering this technology in the astronomical domain and gathering essential information to advance toward developing an instrument based on this technology for the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo at a later stage.