The Lateral Trigger Probability function for the ultra-high energy cosmic ray showers detected by the pierre auger observatory
Astroparticle Physics 35:5 (2011) 266-276
Abstract:
In this paper we introduce the concept of Lateral Trigger Probability (LTP) function, i.e., the probability for an Extensive Air Shower (EAS) to trigger an individual detector of a ground based array as a function of distance to the shower axis, taking into account energy, mass and direction of the primary cosmic ray. We apply this concept to the surface array of the Pierre Auger Observatory consisting of a 1.5 km spaced grid of about 1600 water Cherenkov stations. Using Monte Carlo simulations of ultra-high energy showers the LTP functions are derived for energies in the range between 1017 and 1019 eV and zenith angles up to 65°. A parametrization combining a step function with an exponential is found to reproduce them very well in the considered range of energies and zenith angles. The LTP functions can also be obtained from data using events simultaneously observed by the fluorescence and the surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory (hybrid events). We validate the Monte Carlo results showing how LTP functions from data are in good agreement with simulations. © 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.The exposure of the hybrid detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory
Astroparticle Physics 34:6 (2011) 368-381
Abstract:
The Pierre Auger Observatory is a detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It consists of a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level and a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The "hybrid" detection mode combines the information from the two subsystems. We describe the determination of the hybrid exposure for events observed by the fluorescence telescopes in coincidence with at least one water-Cherenkov detector of the surface array. A detailed knowledge of the time dependence of the detection operations is crucial for an accurate evaluation of the exposure. We discuss the relevance of monitoring data collected during operations, such as the status of the fluorescence detector, background light and atmospheric conditions, that are used in both simulation and reconstruction. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Advanced functionality for radio analysis in the Offline software framework of the Pierre Auger Observatory
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment (2011)
Search for ultrahigh energy neutrinos in highly inclined events at the Pierre Auger Observatory
PHYSICAL REVIEW D 84:12 (2011) ARTN 122005
The Pierre Auger Observatory scaler mode for the study of solar activity modulation of galactic cosmic rays
JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION 6 (2011) ARTN P01003