Searching for GRB spectral features in the BATSE large area detector data

Abstract

The Large Area Detectors of the BATSE instrument combine the benefits of large collecting area for good statistics and good energy resolution, thus they should be a very useful tool for the detection of spectral features in gamma ray bursts. The best candidate line features would have to be moderately broad (≥20 keV at around 50 keV) to be resolved. The BATSE Spectroscopy Detectors have been at the focus of efforts to confirm previous observations of line‐like spectral features, particularly those observed by the GINGA instrument. Here, we have made a study to characterize the spectroscopic capabilities of the Large Area Detectors in their response to GINGA‐like features. With two essentially distinct all‐sky monitoring spectroscopy instruments, the Large Area Detectors and the Spectroscopy Detectors, BATSE has the potential to confirm its own observations of spectral features.