Pasqualino Loffredo
A5012626512- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Calibration and Measurement Techniques
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Inertial Sensor and Navigation
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- GNSS positioning and interference
- Infrared Target Detection Methodologies
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Radiation Effects in Electronics
- X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis
- Advanced Frequency and Time Standards
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Space Satellite Systems and Control
- Scientific Measurement and Uncertainty Evaluation
- Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems
- Advanced MEMS and NEMS Technologies
Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology
2018-2024
National Institute for Astrophysics
2019-2024
Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Torino
2021
Launched on 2021 December 9, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Small Mission in collaboration with Italian Space Agency (ASI). The mission will open new window of investigation—imaging x-ray polarimetry. observatory features three identical telescopes, each consisting mirror module assembly polarization-sensitive imaging detector at focus. A coilable boom, deployed orbit, provides necessary 4-m focal length. utilizes three-axis-stabilized spacecraft, which services such...
While X-ray Spectroscopy, Timing and Imaging have improved verymuch since 1962, when the first astronomical non-solar source was discovered, especially with launch of Newton/X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission, Rossi/X-ray Explorer Chandra/Advanced Astrophysics Facility, progress polarimetry has been meager. This is in part due to lack sensitive polarization detectors, fate approved missions because celestial sources appeared less polarized than expected. Only one positive measurement available until...
Due to be launched in late 2021, the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Small mission designed perform polarization measurements 2-8 keV band, complemented with imaging, spectroscopy and timing capabilities. At heart of focal plane set three polarization-sensitive Gas Pixel Detectors (GPD), each based on custom ASIC acting as charge-collecting anode. In this paper we shall review design, manufacturing, test IXPE focal-plane detectors, particular emphasis connection between...
The NASA/ASI Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, which will be launched in 2021, the first instrument to perform spatially resolved polarimetry on several astronomical sources 2-8 keV energy band. These measurements are made possible owing use of a gas pixel detector (GPD) at focus three telescopes. GPD allows simultaneous interaction point, energy, arrival time, and polarization angle detected photons. increase sensitivity, achieved 40 years ago, for imaging spectroscopy with Einstein...
Scheduled to launch in late 2021, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Small Mission collaboration with Italian Space Agency (ASI). The mission will open new window of investigation - imaging polarimetry. observatory features 3 identical telescopes each consisting mirror module assembly polarization-sensitive detector at focus. A coilable boom, deployed on orbit, provides necessary 4-m focal length. utilizes 3-axis-stabilized spacecraft which services such as power,...
IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is a NASA Small Explorer mission -- in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) dedicated to polarimetry 2--8 keV energy band. The telescope comprises three grazing incidence mirror modules coupled detector units hosting each one Gas Pixel Detector (GPD), gas that allows measuring polarization degree by using photoelectric effect. A wide and accurate ground calibration was carried out on Units (DUs) at INAF-IAPS, Italy, where facility set-up...
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer is a mission dedicated to the measurement of polarization from tens astrophysical sources belonging different classes. Expected be launched at end 2021, payload comprises three mirrors and focal plane imaging polarimeters, latter being designed built in Italy. While calibration always an essential phase development high-energy space missions, for IXPE it has been particularly extensive both calibrate response polarization, which peculiar IXPE, achieve...
This paper concerns the development of a first simplified model to take into account perturbations produced by nongravitational forces acting on satellites Galileo FOC constellation and corresponding orbital determinations within G4S_2.0 project. has series objectives in verifying gravitational interaction weak field limit theory general relativity, exploiting particular eccentricity orbits some precise measurements that can be derived from atomic clocks board these satellites. The study...
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) will add polarization to the properties (time, energy, and position) observed in x-ray astronomy. A NASA Astrophysics Small (SMEX) partnership with Italian Space Agency (ASI), IXPE measure 2–8-keV of a few dozen sources during first 2 years following its 2021 launch. Observatory includes three identical telescopes, each comprising 4-m-focal-length (grazingincidence) mirror module assembly (MMA) polarization-sensitive (imaging) detector unit (DU),...
The CubeSat solar polarimeter (CUSP) project aims to develop a constellation of two CubeSats orbiting the Earth measure linear polarisation flares in hard x-ray band by means Compton scattering on board each satellite. CUSP will allow study magnetic reconnection and particle acceleration flaring structures. is approved for Phase A Italian Space Agency framework Alcor program aimed technologies missions.
IXPE, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, is a NASA SMEX mission with an important contribution of ASI that will be launched Falcon 9 in 2021 and reopen window polarimetry after more than 40 years. The payload features three identical telescopes each one hosting light-weight mirror fabricated by MSFC detector unit its in-orbit calibration system Gas Pixel Detector sensitive to imaging polarization INAF/IAPS, INFN OHB Italy. focal length boom deployment from ATK-Orbital 4 m, while...
Temperature is a major source of inaccuracy in high-sensitivity accelerometers and gravimeters. Active thermal control systems require power may not be ideal some contexts such as airborne or spaceborne applications. We propose solution that relies on multiple thermometers placed within the accelerometer to measure temperature gradient variations. Machine Learning algorithms are used relate temperatures their effect readings. However, obtaining labeled data for training these can difficult....
This paper introduces the main problems related to modeling of effects nongravitational perturbations on satellites Galileo FOC constellation. The problem is addressed from point view scientific objectives for Science (G4S_2.0) project. These are reflected in a set fundamental physics measurements that will exploit orbits and atomic clocks aboard satellites, particular GSAT-0201 GSAT-0202 characterized by elliptical orbits, not almost circular such as case remaining focus direct solar...
The CUbesat Solar Polarimeter (CUSP) project is a future CubeSat mission orbiting the Earth aimed to measure linear polarization of solar flares in hard X-ray band, by means Compton scattering polarimeter. CUSP will allow us study magnetic reconnection and particle acceleration flaring structures our star. framework Italian Space Agency Alcor Program, which aims develop new missions. approved for Phase B that last 12 months, starting mid-2024. We report on current status as outcome A.
The development and calibration of a measurement system designed for assessing the performance avalanche photodiodes (APDs) used in Compton scattering polarimeter CUSP project is discussed this work. able to characterize APD gain GAPD energy resolution across wide range temperatures T (from −20 °C +60 °C) bias voltages Vbias 260 V 410 V). primary goal was experimentally determine dependence on order establish strategy stabilizing by compensating fluctuations, acting Vbias. results...
IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is a NASA SMEX in partnership with ASI. The focal plane Detector Units (DUs) and the Service Unit (DSU) were developed by Italian research Institutes INAF-IAPS INFN manufactured OHB-I. will investigate polarimetry 2-8 keV energy band. payload comprises three identical telescopes, each composed of mirror detector unit an polarimeter based on Gas Pixel (GPD). A stray-light collimator (SLC) mounted top DU to shield GPD from background X-rays not coming...
IXPE scientific payload comprises of three telescopes, each composed a mirror and photoelectric polarimeter based on the Gas Pixel Detector design. The focal plane detectors, together with unit which interfaces them to spacecraft, are named Instrument they will be built calibrated in Italy; this proceeding, we present how calibrated, both on-ground in-flight. Calibration Equipment is being finalized at INAF-IAPS Rome (Italy) produce polarized unpolarized radiation, precise knowledge...
The Pixelated silicon Drift Detector (PixDD) is a two-dimensional multi-pixel X-ray sensor based on the technology of Silicon Detectors, designed to solve dead time and pile-up issues photon-integrating imaging detectors. Read out by self-triggering Application-Specific Integrated Circuit named RIGEL, which bump-bonded, it operates in 0:5 — 15 keV energy range achieve single-photon sensitivity good spectroscopic capabilities even at room temperature or with mild cooling (< 150 eV resolution...
IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is the next Nasa Small Explorer mission foreseen for lunch in 2021. It a partnership with Italian Space Agency (ASI). devoted to polarimetry 2-8 keV energy band. The telescope comprises three grazing incidence mirror modules coupled detector units hosting each one Gas Pixel Detector (GPD) polarimeter. GPD exploits photoelectric effect measure linear polarization of emission from astrophysical sources. A wide and accurate on ground calibration was...
The Galileo for Science Project (G4S_2.0) is funded by the Italian Space Agency and hasseveral goals in field of Fundamental Physics to be achieved exploiting satellitesof Galileo-FOC Constellation accuracy their onboard atomic clocks. Inparticular, clock-bias, estimated data reduction tracking observationsallows place constraints on possible presence Dark Matter our galaxy theform Domain Walls (DW) eventually produced very early Universe ultralightscalar field(s). impact DW an clock would...
The Galileo for Science Project (G4S_2.0) is funded by the Italian Space Agency and has several goals in field of Fundamental Physics to be achieved exploiting satellites Galileo-FOC Constellation. In this regard, a key point obtain suitable satellite orbit solution performing an accurate Precise Orbit Determination (POD). To purpose modeling reliable way complex effects Non-Conservative Forces, i.e. Non-Gravitational Perturbations (NGPs), essential. activities undertaken construction...
The Galileo for Science Project (G4S_2.0) is an ongoing project funded by the Italian Space Agency that has several goals in field of Fundamental Physics exploiting Galileo-FOC Constellation and, particular, GSAT0201 (E18) and GSAT0202 (E14), two satellite elliptical orbit. By accuracy atomic clocks on board satellites, particular clock-bias estimated process data reduction tracking observations during a Precise Orbit Determination (POD), it allows one hand to measure gravitational redshift,...