Neutrino detection of transient sources with optical follow-up observations

TL;DR

This paper discusses a new method for detecting transient neutrino sources by combining ANTARES neutrino observations with rapid optical follow-up, enhancing source identification and detection sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel detection approach that integrates fast online neutrino event reconstruction with optical telescope networks for improved transient source detection.

Findings

Development of a fast, accurate neutrino event reconstruction method.

Implementation of an optical follow-up strategy for transient neutrino sources.

Potential to identify sources like GRBs and SNe more effectively.

Abstract

The ANTARES telescope has the opportunity to detect transient neutrino sources, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), core-collapse supernovae (SNe), flares of active galactic nuclei (AGNs)... To enhance the sensitivity to these sources, we are developing a new detection method based on the observation of neutrino bursts followed by an optical detection. The ANTARES Collaboration is implementing a fast on-line event reconstruction with a good angular resolution. These characteristics allow to trigger an optical telescope network in order to identify the nature of the neutrinos (and high energy cosmic-rays) sources. This follow-up can be done with a network of small automatic telescopes and required a small observation time. An optical follow-up of special events, such as neutrino doublets in coincidence in time and space or single neutrino having a very high energy, would not only give access to the nature of the sources but also improve the sensitivity for neutrino detection from SNe or GRBs.