New method of analysis for TeV gamma-ray data collected by the TACTIC telescope

Abstract

We describe a new fractal and wavelet based framework for analysing atmospheric Cerenkov images of extensive air showers. The methodology developed using simulated data has been tested with the data collected from Mrk421 and Crab nebula directions during 10 October 2009–16 May 2010 by the TACTIC telescope. The telescope detected flaring activity in TeV gamma-rays from Mrk421 during 15th-17th February 2010. Hillas parameter analysis of Cerenkov images showed presence of TeV γ-ray signal with statistical significance of 12.5 σ beyond 1TeV energy for the 265 hours data set. Based on a Monte-Carlo simulated database of Cerenkov images recorded by the TACTIC telescope, the wavelet dimension B6 can be exploited as a useful parameter to segregate gamma-ray initiated events from hadron initiated events with better efficiency. We derive a preliminary value of the relevant significance for gamma initiated events using wavelet parameter B6 for the 265 hours long observation spell of Mrk421 including the flaring episode during 15th–17th February 2010 and 66 hours data of observations on Crab nebula. Wavelet analysis approach has also been tested on Crab OFF- source data of 27 hours. Application of wavelet parameter B6 on the recorded Cerenkov images of the TACTIC telescope reveals better results in terms of segregation efficiency and enhancement of the determined value of statistical significance as compared to the Hillas parameters approach.