Rapid Optical Followup Observations of SGR Events with ROTSE-I

In order to observe nearly simultaneous emission from Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs), the Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment (ROTSE) receives triggers via the GRB Coordinates Network (GCN). Since beginning operations in March, 1998, ROTSE has also taken useful data for 10 SGR events: 8 from SGR 1900+14 and 2 from SGR 1806-20. We have searched for new or variable sources in the error regions of these SGRs and no optical counterparts were observed. Limits are in the range m_ROTSE ~ 12.5 - 15.5 during the period 20 seconds to 1 hour after the observed SGR events.
16 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal