Instrumentation

HERD prototype tested at CERN PS beam

September 6, 2023

Gamma-ray Group

The HERD prototype is being tested at CERN PS beam between Aug 29 and Sep 12. This test, together with the one happening at SPS next October, will be used to validate and optimize the different sub-detector concepts and complete Phase B of the project.

IFAE contributes the trigger & readout system for two sub-detectors: the fiber tracker (FIT) and plastic scintillator detector (PSD), which will be instrumental for HERD’s capabilities as a gamma-ray space telescope. IFAE crew at the beam test is composed of Keerthana Lathika, Monong Yu, Giulio Lucchetta, Juan Boix, Laia Cardiel and Javier Rico

HERD FIber Tracker (FIT) prototype

Latest Group News

Recognition

2026 Nobel Prize in Physics: the birth of high-energy neutrino astronomy

October 7, 2026

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics recognises Francis Halzen’s pioneering role in high-energy neutrino astronomy. IFAE is connected to this achievement through MAGIC’s contribution to identifying a likely cosmic neutrino source.

Testing

IFAE's Gamma-ray group completes SiPM irradiation campaign for space missions

July 10, 2026

The group successfully tested SiPM sensors under realistic irradiation conditions to assess their suitability for future space-based gamma-ray and cosmic-ray missions.

New publication

New Gamma-ray group publication

March 18, 2026

Combined dark matter search towards dwarf spheroidal galaxies with Fermi-LAT, HAWC, H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS