Hybrid concept of detection for a wide-field gamma-ray observatory using Cherenkov telescopes

TL;DR

This paper explores a hybrid detection method combining Cherenkov telescopes and water Cherenkov detectors for the SWGO gamma-ray observatory, aiming to enhance detection capabilities through simulation-based performance analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid detection concept for SWGO, integrating Cherenkov telescopes with water Cherenkov detectors, and evaluates its potential benefits through simulations.

Findings

Hybrid approach improves detection sensitivity.

Combining wide field-of-view with high resolution enhances performance.

Simulation results indicate significant capability improvements.

Abstract

The hybrid detection approach in astroparticle physics has been successfully employed in cosmic-ray experiments and is currently being explored by gamma-ray observatories like LHAASO. We present a study on the hybrid detection concept for the future Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO), integrating multiple Cherenkov telescopes represented in the analysis by Single-Mirror Small-Size imaging atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (SST-1M) located next to the surface array of water Cherenkov detectors (WCDs). We discuss the mutual benefits of this hybrid approach and present simulation-based results on key performances. Our findings points to the fact that the combination of wide field-of-view and continuous operation of WCDs with the high angular and energy resolution of Cherenkov telescopes could significantly improve the overall detection capabilities of the SWGO experiment.