Experimental results on the optimum spacing of stereoscopic imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes Available to Purchase

For stereoscopic systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs), a key parameter to optimize the sensitivity for VHE γ-ray point sources is the intertelescope spacing. Using pairs of telescopes of the HEGRA IACT system, the sensitivity of two-telescope stereo IACT systems is studied as a function of the telescope spacing, ranging from 70 m to 140 m. Data taken during the 1997 outburst of Mrk 501 are used to evaluate both the detection rates before cuts, and the sensitivity for weak signals after cuts to optimize the significance of signals.