Primary gamma ray selection technique in the joint operation of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) and wide-angle Cherenkov timing detectors

Abstract

A combined approach to distinguishing extensive atmospheric showers (EASes) from gamma rays, based on analyzing Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope (IACT) images and shower parameters reconstructed using data from a nonimaging (timing) array, is investigated. The study is conducted with simulated data on the registration of Cherenkov radiation from an EAS. The optimum set of combined parameters, the efficiency of the multivariate approach, and the dependence of the background suppression factor on energy and distance are determined. The findings are compared to those from the operation of an isolated IACT. It is shown that in the >50 TeV range of energies, the background can be suppressed by a factor of 100 even at distances of up to 450 m from an IACT telescope.