Operating Water Cherenkov Detectors in high altitudesites for the Large Aperture GRB Observatory

LAGO COLLABORATION: SON 41 AUTORES (A.C. ROVERO)

Lodz, Polonia.

Conferencia; 31st International Cosmic Ray Conference; 2009

Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCD) are efficient detectors for detecting GRBs in the 10GeV-1TeV energy range using the single particle technique, given their sensitivity to low energy secondary photons produced by high energy photons when cascading in the atmosphere. The Large Aperture GRB Observatory (LAGO) operates arrays of WCD in high altitude sites (above 4500 ma.s.l.) in Bolivia, Mexico and Venezuela, with planned extension to Perú. Details on the operation and stability of these WCD in remote sites with high back ground rates of particles will be detailed, and compared to simulations. Specific issues due to operation at high altitude, atmospheric effects andsolar activity, as well as possible hardware enhancements will also be presented.