Abstract The concept of a small, single-layer water Cherenkov detector, with three photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), placed at its bottom in $$120^{\circ }$$ 120 ∘ star configuration ( Mercedes Water Detector) is presented. PMTs are near the lateral walls stations an adjust...

The photon density on the ground is a fundamental quantity in all experiments based on Cherenkov light measurements, e.g. in the Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes (IACT). IACT’s are commonly and successfully used in order to search and study Very High Energy (VHE) γ-ray sources. Difficulties with separating primary photons from primary hadrons (mostly protons) in Cherenkov experiments become lar...

A large-solid-angle, Cherenkov detector beam loss monitor has been built and tested as part of the Linac Coherent Light Source machine protection system (MPS). The MPS is used to protect the undulator magnets by detecting high-energy electron beam loss. These electrons produce other forms of radiation that can lead to demagnetization of the undulator magnets. Cherenkov light is generated when p...

Imaging Cherenkov telescopes and in particular stereoscopic arrays of Cherenkov telescopes such as HEGRA or H.E.S.S. have emerged as the prime instrument for gamma-ray astronomy in the TeV energy regime. H.E.S.S., for example, reaches an energy threshold around 100 GeV, an angular resolution for individual gamma rays of 0.1◦ and a sensitivity of less then 1% of the Crab flux for 25 h of exposur...