arXiv subjects

Iftach Sadeh

Publications and source records attributed to Iftach Sadeh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A Multiwavelength Study of a Long-Duration VHE Flare from BL Lacertae with VERITAS

We report the first observations of a long-duration very-high-energy (VHE; $E > 100$ GeV) flare from BL Lacertae (VER J2202+422), taken with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS). On October 15, 2022, the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) detected elevated GeV activity originating from this blazar. This triggered a multiwavelength campaign, which includes observations from VERITAS, Swift, NuSTAR, and select optical and radio observatories. VERITAS observed the source for a total of $\sim 9.8$ hours between September 1, 2022 and December 1, 2022. An analysis of these data yields a $\sim 28 \sigma$ detection of the source. While previously observed VHE flares from BL Lacertae have lasted on time-scales of minutes to days, VERITAS continued to detect flaring activity from the source for over a month ($\sim 40$ days) after the original flaring activity was detected with Fermi-LAT. Broadband spectral modeling shows that a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model with an external inverse-Compton (EC) component is preferred over a one-zone SSC model.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Early Detection of Multiwavelength Blazar Variability

Blazars are a subclass of active galactic nuclei with relativistic jets pointing toward the observer. They are notable for their flux variability at all observed wavelengths and timescales. Together with simultaneous measurements at lower energies, the very-high-energy (VHE) emission observed during blazar flares may be used to probe the population of accelerated particles. However, optimally triggering observations of blazar high states can be challenging. Notable examples include identifying a flaring episode in real time and predicting VHE flaring activity based on lower-energy observables. For this purpose, we have developed a novel deep learning analysis framework, based on data-driven anomaly detection techniques. It is capable of detecting various types of anomalies in real-world, multiwavelength light curves, ranging from clear high states to subtle correlations across bands. Based on unsupervised anomaly detection and clustering methods, we differentiate source variability from noisy background activity, without the need for a labeled training data set of flaring states. The framework incorporates measurement uncertainties and is robust given data quality challenges, such as varying cadences and observational gaps. We evaluate our approach using both historical data and simulations of blazar light curves in two energy bands, corresponding to sources observable with the Fermi Large Area Telescope and the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory. In a statistical analysis, we show that our framework can reliably detect known historical flares.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

VERITAS and multiwavelength observations of the Blazar B3 2247+381 in response to an IceCube neutrino alert

While the sources of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux detected by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory are still largely unknown, one of the promising methods used towards understanding this is investigating the potential temporal and spatial correlations between neutrino alerts and the electromagnetic radiation from blazars. We report on the multiwavelength target-of-opportunity observations of the blazar B3 2247+381, taken in response to an IceCube multiplet alert for a cluster of muon neutrino events compatible with the source location between May 20, 2022 and November 10, 2022. B3 2247+381 was not detected with VERITAS during this time period. The source was found to be in a low-flux state in the optical, ultraviolet and gamma-ray bands for the time interval corresponding to the neutrino event, but was detected in the hard X-ray band with NuSTAR during this period. We find the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution is well described using a simple one-zone leptonic synchrotron self-Compton radiation model. Moreover, assuming the neutrinos originate from hadronic processes within the jet, the neutrino flux would be accompanied by a photon flux from the cascade emission, and the integrated photon flux required in such a case would significantly exceed the total multiwavelength fluxes and the VERITAS upper limits presented here. The lack of flaring activity observed with VERITAS, combined with the low multiwavelength flux levels, and given the significance of the neutrino excess is at 3$σ$ level (uncorrected for trials), makes B3 2247+381 an unlikely source of the IceCube multiplet. We conclude that the neutrino excess is likely a background fluctuation.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

An in-depth study of Gamma rays from the Starburst Galaxy M 82 with VERITAS

Assuming Galactic cosmic rays originate in supernovae and the winds of massive stars, starburst galaxies should produce very-high-energy (VHE; E$>$100 GeV) gamma-ray emission via the interaction of their copious quantities of cosmic rays with the large reservoirs of dense gas within the galaxies. Such VHE emission was detected by VERITAS from the starburst galaxy M 82 in 2008-09. An extensive, multi-year campaign followed these initial observations, yielding a total of 254 h of good quality VERITAS data on M 82. Leveraging modern analysis techniques and the larger exposure, these VERITAS data show a more statistically significant VHE signal ($\sim$6.5 standard deviations ($σ$)). The corresponding photon spectrum is well fit by a power law ($Γ= 2.3 \pm 0.3_{stat} \pm0.2_{sys}$) and the observed integral flux is F($>$450 GeV) = $(3.2 \pm0.6_{stat} \pm 0.6_{sys}) \times 10^{-13}~\mathrm{cm^{-2}~s}^{-1}$, or $\sim$0.4\% of the Crab Nebula flux above the same energy threshold. The improved VERITAS measurements, when combined with various multi-wavelength data, enable modeling of the underlying emission and transport processes. A purely leptonic scenario is found to be a poor representation of the gamma-ray spectral energy distribution (SED). A lepto-hadronic scenario with cosmic rays following a power-law spectrum in momentum (index $s\simeq 2.25$), and with significant bremsstrahlung below $1$~GeV, provides a good match to the observed SED. The synchrotron emission from the secondary electrons indicates that efficient non-radiative losses of cosmic-ray electrons may be related to advective escape from the starburst core.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Detecting the early optical flashes of gamma-ray bursts with small telescope arrays

We present an observational approach for the independent detection of the early optical emission of long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For this purpose, we explore the potential of the Large Array Survey Telescope (LAST). This array of small optical telescopes can be used to scan a wide region of the sky, and to focus on a smaller field of view with increased sensitivity, as needed. The modularity of the array facilitates dynamic scanning of multiple fields, by shifting telescope pointing directions with high cadence. This can significantly increase the effective sky coverage of a blind survey on short time scales. For events associated with gamma-ray counterparts, the valuable early time data can supplement high-energy observations. Regardless of gamma-ray association, detections can potentially be used to explore various phenomena associated with GRBs, such as orphan afterglows; dirty fireballs; and choked jets. We simulate a sample of GRBs and their respective optical signals at early times. After accounting for dynamic cadence, the light curves are given as input to a machine learning classifier, used to identify astrophysical transients. We find that by dedicating half of a LAST array to a blind search, one would expect to independently detect 7-11 GRBs per year, corresponding to an approximate intrinsic event rate of 0.12 per square degree per year.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

A VERITAS/Breakthrough Listen Search for Optical Technosignatures

The Breakthrough Listen Initiative is conducting a program using multiple telescopes around the world to search for "technosignatures": artificial transmitters of extraterrestrial origin from beyond our solar system. The VERITAS Collaboration joined this program in 2018, and provides the capability to search for one particular technosignature: optical pulses of a few nanoseconds duration detectable over interstellar distances. We report here on the analysis and results of dedicated VERITAS observations of Breakthrough Listen targets conducted in 2019 and 2020 and of archival VERITAS data collected since 2012. Thirty hours of dedicated observations of 136 targets and 249 archival observations of 140 targets were analyzed and did not reveal any signals consistent with a technosignature. The results are used to place limits on the fraction of stars hosting transmitting civilizations. We also discuss the minimum-pulse sensitivity of our observations and present VERITAS observations of CALIOP: a space-based pulsed laser onboard the CALIPSO satellite. The detection of these pulses with VERITAS, using the analysis techniques developed for our technosignature search, allows a test of our analysis efficiency and serves as an important proof-of-principle.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

VERITAS discovery of very high energy gamma-ray emission from S3 1227+25 and multiwavelength observations

We report the detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from the blazar S3 1227+25 (VER J1230+253) with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS). VERITAS observations of the source were triggered by the detection of a hard-spectrum GeV flare on May 15, 2015 with the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT). A combined five-hour VERITAS exposure on May 16th and May 18th resulted in a strong 13$σ$ detection with a differential photon spectral index, $Γ$ = 3.8 $\pm$ 0.4, and a flux level at 9% of the Crab Nebula above 120 GeV. This also triggered target of opportunity observations with Swift, optical photometry, polarimetry and radio measurements, also presented in this work, in addition to the VERITAS and Fermi-LAT data. A temporal analysis of the gamma-ray flux during this period finds evidence of a shortest variability timescale of $τ_{obs}$ = 6.2 $\pm$ 0.9 hours, indicating emission from compact regions within the jet, and the combined gamma-ray spectrum shows no strong evidence of a spectral cut-off. An investigation into correlations between the multiwavelength observations found evidence of optical and gamma-ray correlations, suggesting a single-zone model of emission. Finally, the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution is well described by a simple one-zone leptonic synchrotron self-Compton radiation model.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Multi-wavelength radiation models for low-luminosity GRBs, and the implications for UHECRs

We study the prompt phase of low-luminosity Gamma-Ray Bursts (ll-GRBs) as potential source of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays and Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs). Within the internal shock model we choose parameters for the relativistic outflow such that our representative events have observed properties similar to GRBs 980425, 100316D and 120714B and self-consistently calculate the full spectral and temporal properties in a leptonic synchrotron self-Compton scenario. To investigate the conditions under which inverse Compton radiation may lead to a peak in the GeV--TeV range, we vary the fraction of internal energy supplying the magnetic field. Further, we determine the maximal energies achievable for UHECR nuclei and derive constraints on the baryonic loading/typical duration by comparing to the extragalactic gamma-ray background. We find that ll-GRBs are potential targets for multiwavelength studies and in reach for Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) and optical/UV instruments. For comparable sub-MeV emission and similar dynamical evolution of the outflow, weak (strong) magnetic fields induce high (low) fluxes in the VHE regime and low (high) fluxes in the optical. VHE emission may be suppressed by $γγ$-absorption close to the engine or interactions with the extragalactic background light for redshifts $z > 0.1$. For UHECRs, the maximal energies of iron nuclei (protons) can be as high as $\simeq 10^{11}$~GeV ($10^{10}$~GeV) if the magnetic energy density is large (and the VHE component is correspondingly weak). These high energies are possible by decoupling the production regions of UHECR and gamma-rays in our multizone model. Finally, we find basic consistency with the energy budget needed to accommodate the UHECR origin from ll-GRBs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Data-driven detection of multi-messenger transients

The primary challenge in the study of explosive astrophysical transients is their detection and characterisation using multiple messengers. For this purpose, we have developed a new data-driven discovery framework, based on deep learning. We demonstrate its use for searches involving neutrinos, optical supernovae, and gamma rays. We show that we can match or substantially improve upon the performance of state-of-the-art techniques, while significantly minimising the dependence on modelling and on instrument characterisation. Particularly, our approach is intended for near- and real-time analyses, which are essential for effective follow-up of detections. Our algorithm is designed to combine a range of instruments and types of input data, representing different messengers, physical regimes, and temporal scales. The methodology is optimised for agnostic searches of unexpected phenomena, and has the potential to substantially enhance their discovery prospects.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

POSyTIVE -- a GRB population study for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (ICRC-2019)

One of the central scientific goals of the next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is the detection and characterization of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). CTA will be sensitive to gamma rays with energies from about 20 GeV, up to a few hundred TeV. The energy range below 1 TeV is particularly important for GRBs. CTA will allow exploration of this regime with a ground-based gamma-ray facility with unprecedented sensitivity. As such, it will be able to probe radiation and particle acceleration mechanisms at work in GRBs. In this contribution, we describe POSyTIVE, the POpulation Synthesis Theory Integrated project for very high-energy emission. The purpose of the project is to make realistic predictions for the detection rates of GRBs with CTA, to enable studies of individual simulated GRBs, and to perform preparatory studies for time-resolved spectral analyses. The mock GRB population used by POSyTIVE is calibrated using the entire 40-year dataset of multi-wavelength GRB observations. As part of this project we explore theoretical models for prompt and afterglow emission of long and short GRBs, and predict the expected radiative output. Subsequent analyses are performed in order to simulate the observations with CTA, using the publicly available ctools and Gammapy frameworks. We present preliminary results of the design and implementation of this project.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Deep learning detection of transients (ICRC-2019)

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. We use our framework to derive the detection prospects of low-luminosity gamma-ray bursts with the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array. Our method is an unbiased, data-driven approach for multiwavelength and multi-messenger transient detection.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Deep learning detection of transients

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 an unbiased, completely data-driven approach for multiwavelength and multi-messenger transient detection.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2018

DES Science Portal: Computing Photometric Redshifts

A significant challenge facing photometric surveys for cosmological purposes is the need to produce reliable redshift estimates. The estimation of photometric redshifts (photo-zs) has been consolidated as the standard strategy to bypass the high production costs and incompleteness of spectroscopic redshift samples. Training-based photo-z methods require the preparation of a high-quality list of spectroscopic redshifts, which needs to be constantly updated. The photo-z training, validation, and estimation must be performed in a consistent and reproducible way in order to accomplish the scientific requirements. To meet this purpose, we developed an integrated web-based data interface that not only provides the framework to carry out the above steps in a systematic way, enabling the ease testing and comparison of different algorithms, but also addresses the processing requirements by parallelizing the calculation in a transparent way for the user. This framework called the Science Portal (hereafter Portal) was developed in the context the Dark Energy Survey (DES) to facilitate scientific analysis. In this paper, we show how the Portal can provide a reliable environment to access vast data sets, provide validation algorithms and metrics, even in the case of multiple photo-zs methods. It is possible to maintain the provenance between the steps of a chain of workflows while ensuring reproducibility of the results. We illustrate how the Portal can be used to provide photo-z estimates using the DES first year (Y1A1) data. While the DES collaboration is still developing techniques to obtain more precise photo-zs, having a structured framework like the one presented here is critical for the systematic vetting of DES algorithmic improvements and the consistent production of photo-zs in the future DES releases.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

The Graphical User Interface of the Operator of the Cherenkov Telescope Array

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is the next generation gamma-ray observatory. CTA will incorporate about 100 imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) at a southern site, and about 20 in the north. Previous IACT experiments have used up to five telescopes. Subsequently, the design of a graphical user interface (GUI) for the operator of CTA poses an interesting challenge. In order to create an effective interface, the CTA team is collaborating with experts from the field of Human-Computer Interaction. We present here our GUI prototype. The back-end of the prototype is a Python Web server. It is integrated with the observation execution system of CTA, which is based on the Alma Common Software (ACS). The back-end incorporates a redis database, which facilitates synchronization of GUI panels. redis is also used to buffer information collected from various software components and databases. The front-end of the prototype is based on Web technology. Communication between Web server and clients is performed using Web Sockets, where graphics are generated with the d3.js Javascript library.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Prototyping the graphical user interface for the operator of the Cherenkov Telescope Array

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is a planned gamma-ray observatory. CTA will incorporate about 100 imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) at a Southern site, and about 20 in the North. Previous IACT experiments have used up to five telescopes. Subsequently, the design of a graphical user interface (GUI) for the operator of CTA involves new challenges. We present a GUI prototype, the concept for which is being developed in collaboration with experts from the field of Human-Computer Interaction. The prototype is based on Web technology; it incorporates a Python web server, Web Sockets and graphics generated with the d3.js Javascript library.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

ANNz2 - photometric redshift and probability distribution function estimation using machine learning

We present ANNz2, a new implementation of the public software for photometric redshift (photo-z) estimation of Collister and Lahav (2004), which now includes generation of full probability distribution functions (PDFs). ANNz2 utilizes multiple machine learning methods, such as artificial neural networks and boosted decision/regression trees. The objective of the algorithm is to optimize the performance of the photo-z estimation, to properly derive the associated uncertainties, and to produce both single-value solutions and PDFs. In addition, estimators are made available, which mitigate possible problems of non-representative or incomplete spectroscopic training samples. ANNz2 has already been used as part of the first weak lensing analysis of the Dark Energy Survey, and is included in the experiment's first public data release. Here we illustrate the functionality of the code using data from the tenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. The code is available for download at https://github.com/IftachSadeh/ANNZ .

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2015

Gravitational Redshift of Galaxies in Clusters from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey

The gravitational redshift effect allows one to directly probe the gravitational potential in clusters of galaxies. Following up on Wojtak et al. [Nature (London) 477, 567 (2011)], we present a new measurement. We take advantage of new data from the tenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. We compare the spectroscopic redshift of the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) with that of galaxies at the outskirts of clusters, using a sample with an average cluster mass of $10^{14} M_{\odot}$. We find that these galaxies have an average relative redshift of -11 km/s compared with that of BCGs, with a standard deviation of +7 and -5 km/s. Our measurement is consistent with that of Wojtak et al. However, our derived standard deviation is larger, as we take into account various systematic effects, beyond the size of the dataset. The result is in good agreement with the predictions from general relativity.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Double parton scattering in four-jet events in pp collisions at 7 TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC

The dijet double-differential cross section is measured as a function of the dijet invariant mass, using data taken during 2010 and during 2011 with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The measurements are sensitive to invariant masses between 70 GeV and 4.27 TeV with center-of-mass jet rapidities up to 3.5. A novel technique to correct jets for pile-up (additional proton-proton collisions) in the 2011 data is developed and subsequently used in the measurement. The data are found to be consistent with fixed-order NLO pQCD predictions provided by NLOJET++. The results constitute a stringent test of pQCD, in an energy regime previously unexplored. The dijet analysis is a confidence building step for the extraction of the signal of hard double parton scattering (DPS) in four-jet events, and subsequent extraction of the effective overlap area between the interacting protons, expressed in terms of the variable, σ(eff). The measurement of DPS is performed using the 2010 ATLAS data. The rate of DPS events is estimated using a neural network. A clear signal is observed, under the assumption that the DPS signal can be represented by a random combination of exclusive dijet production. The fraction of DPS candidate events is determined to be f(DPS) = 0.081 +- 0.004 (stat.) +0.025-0.014 (syst.) in the analyzed phase-space of four-jet topologies. Combined with the measurement of the dijet and four-jet cross sections in the appropriate phase-space regions, the effective cross section is found to be σ(eff) = 16.0 +0.5-0.8 (stat.) +1.9-3.5 (syst.) mb. This result is consistent within the quoted uncertainties with previous measurements of σ(eff) at center-of-mass energies between 63 GeV and 7 TeV, using several final states.

hep-ex↗