Gamma-ray burst investigation via polarimetry and spectroscopy (GRIPS)

Abstract

The primary scientific goal of the GRIPS mission is to revolutionize our understanding of the early universe using γ-ray bursts. We propose a new generation gamma-ray observatory capable of unprecedented spectroscopy over a wide range of γ-ray energies (200 keV-50 MeV) and of polarimetry (200-1000 keV). The γ-ray sensitivity to nuclear absorption features enables the measurement of column densities as high as 1028cm ∈-∈2. Secondary goals achievable by this mission include direct measurements of all types of supernova interiors through γ-rays from radioactive decays, nuclear astrophysics with massive stars and novae, and studies of particle acceleration near compact stars, interstellar shocks, and clusters of galaxies. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.