Astrophysics and Space Science

, Volume 231, Issue 1–2, pp 271–276 | Cite as

A search for ultra-high energy counterparts to gamma-ray bursts

  • S. P. Plunkett
  • M. Delaney
  • B. McBreen
  • K. J. Hurley
  • C. T. O'Sullivan
Session E GRB Locations and Counterparts

Abstract

A small air shower array operating over many years has been used to search for ultra-high energy (UHE) gamma radiation (≥ 50 TeV) associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the BATSE instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO). Upper limits for a one minute interval after each burst are presented for seven GRBs located with zenith anglesθ < 20°. A 4.3σ excess over background was observed between 10 and 20 minutes following the onset of a GRB on 11 May 1991. The confidence level that this is due to a real effect and not a background fluctuation is 99.8%. If this effect is real then cosmological models are excluded for this burst because of absorption of UHE gamma rays by the intergalactic radiation fields.

Key words

Gamma rays:bursts Gamma rays:high energy Air showers 
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1995

Authors and Affiliations

  • S. P. Plunkett
    • 1
  • M. Delaney
    • 2
  • B. McBreen
    • 2
  • K. J. Hurley
    • 2
  • C. T. O'Sullivan
    • 3
  1. 1.School of Physics and Space ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamU.K.
  2. 2.Physics DepartmentUniversity CollegeDublin 4Ireland
  3. 3.Physics DepartmentUniversity CollegeCorkIreland

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