A new time-dependent likelihood technique for detection of gamma-ray bursts with IACT arrays

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel likelihood-based method that incorporates prior knowledge of source light curves, enhancing detection sensitivity for rapidly fading gamma-ray bursts in IACT array observations.

Contribution

It presents a new time-dependent likelihood technique that improves gamma-ray burst detection by utilizing prior light curve information, advancing analysis methods for IACT data.

Findings

Effective detection of rapidly decaying GRBs demonstrated

Application to VERITAS data shows improved sensitivity

Method outperforms traditional static likelihood approaches

Abstract

In imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope (IACT) arrays, the standard method of statistically inferring the existence of a source is based on the maximum likelihood method of Li&Ma (1983). We present a new statistical approach, also based on maximum likelihood theory, which takes into account a priori knowledge of the source light curve. This approach is especially useful for observations of rapidly decaying gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We also discuss results established by using this technique to analyze VERITAS GRB observations.