A method for determination of gamma-ray direction in space

Abstract

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are short and most intense bursts of gamma-rays that come from random direction in space. Their origins are still unknown and they originate likely from cosmological distances, probably after birth of a new black hole or death of a giant star. In this work, Geant simulations of a detector array aiming identification of gamma-ray directions in space were performed and a method was used for this identification. The array consists of three quadratic NaI(Tl) scintillators which are facing different directions. The method is based on the difference of the counts registered in these three detectors. This form of the array which can scan three dimensions in space is crucial to pinpoint origin of the GRBs. The array would also be applicable in various fields where identifications of the gamma-ray directions are necessary. (C) 2013 IAA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.