Search for astrophysical high energy neutrino point sources with a False Discovery Rate controlling procedure

TL;DR

This paper introduces a systematic statistical method using False Discovery Rate control to enhance the detection of multiple astrophysical high energy neutrino sources, improving discovery confidence without relying on specific signal models.

Contribution

It applies the FDR controlling procedure to neutrino source searches, allowing for model-independent detection and effective handling of multiple sources and trial factors.

Findings

Enhanced detection power for multiple sources

Control of false discovery rate in neutrino searches

Method independent of specific signal models

Abstract

A systematic multiple hypothesis testing approach is applied to the search for astrophysical sources of high energy neutrinos. The method is based on the maximisation of the detection power maintaining the control of the confidence level of an hypothetical discovery. This is achieved by using the so-called "False Discovery Rate" (FDR) controlling procedure. It has the advantage to be independent of the signal modelling and to naturally take into account the trial factor. Moreover it is well suited to the detection of multiple sources.