Searches for TeV counterparts to classical gamma-ray bursts

Abstract

Intense effort has gone into the observation of optical, radio and X-ray GRB counterparts, either simultaneous to the burst or as quasi-steady remnants. Here we report on a similar study at higher energies of 250 GeV and above using ground-based telescopes. Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes have achieved great sensitivity and now complement observations by orbiting telescopes such as CGRO. Previous studies of bursts by the Whipple Collaboration (4) combined with recent improvements to the telescope, indicate that sensitivity to a fluence of 6×10−9 erg-cm−26×10−9erg-cm−2 can be achieved. Observations by the Whipple Collaboration of nine BATSE positions, one within 2 minutes of the BATSE burst, using coordinates distributed through BACODINE will be reported. Analysis techniques will be described and an upper limit to the high-energy delayed or extended emission of observed candidates will be calculated. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.