Deep learning detection of transients

Abstract

The next generation of observatories will facilitate the discovery of new types of astrophysical transients. The detection of such phenomena, whose characteristics are presently poorly constrained, will hinge on the ability to perform blind searches. We present a new algorithm for this purpose, based on deep learning. We incorporate two approaches, utilising anomaly detection and classification techniques. The first is model-independent, avoiding the use of background modelling and instrument simulations. The second method enables targeted searches, relying on generic spectral and temporal patterns as input. We compare our methodology with the existing approach to serendipitous detection of gamma-ray transients. The algorithm is shown to be more robust, especially for non-trivial spectral features. We use our framework to derive the detection prospects of low-luminosity gamma-ray bursts with the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array. Our method is the first unbiased, completely data-driven approach for multiwavelength and multi-messenger transient detection.