Detecting the early optical flashes of gamma-ray bursts with small telescope arrays

Abstract

We present an observational approach for the independent detection of the early optical emission of long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For this purpose, we explore the potential of the Large Array Survey Telescope (LAST). This array of small optical telescopes can be used to scan a wide region of the sky, and to focus on a smaller field of view with increased sensitivity, as needed. The modularity of the array facilitates dynamic scanning of multiple fields, by shifting telescope pointing directions with high cadence. This can significantly increase the effective sky coverage of a blind survey on short time scales. For events associated with gamma-ray counterparts, the valuable early time data can supplement high-energy observations. Regardless of gamma-ray association, detections can potentially be used to explore various phenomena associated with GRBs, such as orphan afterglows; dirty fireballs; and choked jets. We simulate a sample of GRBs and their respective optical signals at early times. After accounting for dynamic cadence, the light curves are given as input to a machine learning classifier, used to identify astrophysical transients. We find that by dedicating half of a LAST array to a blind search, one would expect to independently detect 7-11 GRBs per year, corresponding to an approximate intrinsic event rate of 0.12 per square degree per year.