Gamma-ray bursts as a probe of large-scale structure in the universe

If gamma-ray bursts are cosmological in origin, the sources of the bursts are expected to trace the large-scale structure of luminous matter in the universe. We show that, if this is so and if the Burst and Transient Source Experiment yields the locations of approximately greater than 3000 gamma-ray bursts, it may be possible to use them to probe the structure of luminous matter on the largest scales known, consistent with recent determinations from pencil beam surveys and studies of superclusters. A positive result would provide compelling evidence that most gamma-ray bursts are cosmological in origin and would allow comparison between the distributions of luminous matter and dark matter on large scales. Conversely, a negative result might cast doubt on the cosmological origin of the bursts, provide evidence that the clustering of burst sources on large scales is less than that expected from pencil beam surveys and studies of superclusters, or indicate that gamma-ray bursts have some more exotic origin.