A proposal for a fast infrared bursts detector

The gravitational wave GW170817 from a binary neutron star merger and the simultaneous electromagnetic detection of the GRB170717A by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope opened a new era in multi-messenger astronomy. Furthermore, the GRBs (Gamma-Ray Bursts) and the mysterious FRBs (Fast Radio Bursts) have sparked interest in the development of new detectors and telescopes dedicated to time-domain astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum. Time-domain astronomy aims to acquire fast astronomical bursts in the temporal range between a few seconds down to 1 ns. Fast InfraRed Bursts (FIRB’s) have been relatively understudied, often due to the lack of appropriate tools for observation and analysis. In this scientific scenario, the present contribution proposes a new detection system for ground-based reflecting telescopes working in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range to search for astronomical FIRB’s. Experience developed in the diagnostics for lepton circular accelerators can be used to design temporal devices for astronomy. Longitudinal diagnostic instruments acquire bunch-by-bunch particle shifts in the direction of flight, which is equivalent to temporal. The transverse device integrates the beam signal in the horizontal and vertical coordinates, as standard telescopes. The proposed instrument aims to work in temporal mode. Feasibility study tests have been carried out at SINBAD, the infrared beamline of DAFNE, and the e+e− collider of INFN. SINBAD releases pulsed infrared synchrotron light with 2.7 ns separation. The front-end detector system has been evaluated to detect temporal fast infrared signals with 2–12 μm wavelengths and 1 ns rise times. The present contribution aims to be a step toward a feasibility study report.