Weighting Background-Subtracted Events

Often a full maximum likelihood (ML) estimate is inconvenient for computational reasons (e.g., iteration over large data sets). If a variable x is a discriminating variable (s(x) 6= b(x)), a weight function can be found which allows estimation of the number of signal events with a variance approaching that of a ML estimate of the same quantity. We derive a formula and discuss it in the context of more general results on event weighting from earlier papers by Barlow and Tkachov, which also nd weighting out-performs cutting

A Proposal to Localize Fermi GBM GRBs Through Coordinated Scanning of the GBM Error Circle via Optical Telescopes

We investigate the feasibility of implementing a system that will coordinate ground-based optical telescopes to cover the Fermi GBM Error Circle (EC). The aim of the system is to localize GBM detected GRBs and facilitate multi-wavelength follow-up from space and ground. This system will optimize the observing locations in the GBM EC based on individual telescope location, Field of View (FoV) and sensitivity. The proposed system will coordinate GBM EC scanning by professional as well as amateur astronomers around the world. The results of a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the feasibility of the project are presented.Comment: 2011 Fermi Symposium proceedings - eConf C11050