The potential of ground based arrays of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes .1. Determination of shower parameters

The performance of the arrays of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) for detection of greater than or equal to 100GeV gamma-rays is discussed. The effective detection area of stereoscopic multi-IACT systems is determined essentially by the total geometrical area of the array which may be covered by independent standard greater than or equal to 3 telescope 'cells' with a linear size of about 100 m. We have investigated the characteristics of a quadrangular 100 x 100 m(2) 'cell' with four '100 GeV' class IACTs in its corners which is recommended as an optimal design for the future IACT arrays. The idea of the 'cell' makes straightforward the study of the characteristics of IACT arrays. The conclusions obtained, concerning in particular the angular and energy resolutions, and the cosmic ray background rejection efficiency, are rather general and, do not depend on the specific configuration of the array. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.