Prospects for Detecting γ-Ray Bursts at Very High Energies with the HADAR Experiment

Abstract

Abstract Recent ground-based observations of TeV photons have significantly deepened our understanding of the nature of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). However, many fundamental problems remain unsolved concerning the physical mechanisms behind GRBs, necessitating the need for sufficient statistical data. The High Altitude Detection of Astronomical Radiation (HADAR) experiment utilizes a wide-angle water Cherenkov telescope, presenting a novel approach to measure the spectra and variability of GRBs from 10 GeV to 10 TeV energy ranges with unprecedented photon statistics and thereby break new ground in elucidating the physics of GRBs, which is still poorly understood. In this study, a time-dependent numerical modeling technique is utilized to simulate extensive light curves and spectral energy distributions of synthetic GRB afterglow emissions. By harnessing the remarkable capabilities of HADAR, we evaluate its potential in detecting GRB afterglow emissions at energies >10 GeV. Through our analysis, we unveil the prospect of detecting an estimated 5.8 GRBs annually, facilitating a systematic investigation into their reliance on model parameters. Future HADAR observations would offer valuable insights into the magnetic field and the environmental conditions surrounding GRBs.