Search for astrophysical high energy neutrino point sources with a False Discovery Rate controlling procedure

Abstract

A systematic multiple hypothesis testing approach is applied to the search for astrophysical sources of high energy neutrinos. The method is based on the maximisation of the detection power maintaining the control of the confidence level of an hypothetical discovery. This is achieved by using the so-called "False Discovery Rate" (FDR) controlling procedure. It has the advantage to be independent of the signal modelling and to naturally take into account the trial factor. Moreover it is well suited to the detection of multiple sources.