A novel background reduction strategy for high level triggers and processing in gamma-ray Cherenkov detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new background reduction technique for gamma-ray Cherenkov detectors that leverages the temporal evolution of Cherenkov light to distinguish gamma-ray signals from background noise, enhancing detector sensitivity.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel background reduction method based on temporal analysis of Cherenkov light, improving gamma-ray detection in Cherenkov telescopes.

Findings

Effective background reduction demonstrated in MAGIC experiment

Temporal distribution differences between gamma and hadron showers identified

Potential sensitivity increase for current gamma-ray instruments

Abstract

Gamma ray astronomy is now at the leading edge for studies related both to fundamental physics and astrophysics. The sensitivity of gamma detectors is limited by the huge amount of background, constituted by hadronic cosmic rays (typically two to three orders of magnitude more than the signal) and by the accidental background in the detectors. By using the information on the temporal evolution of the Cherenkov light, the background can be reduced. We will present here the results obtained within the MAGIC experiment using a new technique for the reduction of the background. Particle showers produced by gamma rays show a different temporal distribution with respect to showers produced by hadrons; the background due to accidental counts shows no dependence on time. Such novel strategy can increase the sensitivity of present instruments.