Potential constrains on Lorentz invariance violation from the HAWC TeV gamma-rays

TL;DR

This paper explores how observations of high-energy gamma rays by HAWC can set stringent limits on Lorentz Invariance Violation, which could cause high-energy photons to decay rapidly if LIV occurs.

Contribution

The study proposes new constraints on LIV energy scales based on potential gamma-ray observations by HAWC, extending previous limits.

Findings

Potential to set stringent LIV limits using HAWC data

High-energy gamma-ray stability constrains LIV models

First and second order LIV corrections analyzed

Abstract

Astrophysical scenarios provide a unique opportunity to test the possible signatures of Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) due to the high energies and the very long distances they involve. An isotropic correction to the photon dispersion relation, by hypothetical Lorentz invariance violation, has a consequence that photons of sufficient energy are unstable and decay very fast. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory is sensitive to gamma-rays in the 100 GeV to 100 TeV energy range, making it a very useful tool to study LIV. In this work we present potential stringent limits for the LIV energy scale at first and second order correction by the potential observations of primary very high energy photons in HAWC energy range.