Detection of gamma-ray bursts in the 1 GeV-1TeV energy range by ground-based experiments

Ground-based extensive air shower arrays can observe Gamma Ray Bursts in th e 1 GeV-1 TeV energy range using the "single particle" technique. The sensi tivity to detect a GRB as a function of the burst parameters and the detect or characteristics are discussed. The rate of possible observations is eval uated, making reasonable assumptions on the high energy emission, the absor ption of gamma-rays in the intergalactic space, the distribution of the sou rces in the universe and the bursts luminosity function. We show that a lar ge area detector located at high mountain altitude has good prospects for p ositive detections, providing useful information on the high energy compone nt of GRBs. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.