CHERCAM: a Cherenkov imager for the CREAM experiment

Abstract The CREAM experiment (Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass) is dedicated to the measurement of the energy spectrum of nuclear elements in cosmic rays, over the range 10 12 – 10 15 eV . The individual elements separation, which is a key feature of CREAM, requires instruments with strong identification capabilities. A proximity focused type of Cherenkov imager, CHERCAM (CHERenkov CAMera), providing both a good signature of downgoing Z = 1 particles and good single element separation through the whole range of nuclear charges [Buenerd, et al., 28th ICRC, Tsukuba, OG 1.5, 2003, p. 2157. [1] ], is under development. After a brief introduction, the main features and the construction status of the CHERCAM are being summarized.