Nome
Physics with UHECRs at the Pierre Auger Observatory

Código
2024.06879.CERN

Entidade Beneficiária

LIP - Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas

Sumário do Projecto

Astroparticles, such as cosmic and gamma rays, offer unique insights into the fundamental properties of the Universe. Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) are particularly valuable for probing particle physics beyond the capabilities of human-made accelerators. However, their detection presents challenges due to their scarcity and extreme energies. The Pierre Auger Observatory, the world's largest UHECR experiment, has made significant progress in recent years, including the measurement of cosmic ray flux suppression and the detection of anisotropic particle arrival directions. Moreover, the statistics gathered by the observatory displayed an UHECR energy spectrum full of features which lead to unexpected astrophysical scenarios.Despite these achievements, challenges persist in understanding UHECR composition and behavior. Discrepancies between simulation models and observed data, particularly regarding the abundance of muons in extensive air showers (EAS), known as the EAS muon puzzle, highlight the need for further investigation. AugerPrime, an upgraded detector system capable of separately measuring the electromagnetic and muonic components of shower signals, aims to address these challenges. The upgrade has just been completed and the experiment is expected to run until 2035.This project focuses on maximizing the potential of the Pierre Auger Observatory and refining our understanding of shower phenomena through five primary areas of focus. Firstly, novel methods will be developed in Air Shower Physics to assess the energy spectrum of shower particles and explore features of the EAS muon number distribution. Secondly, efforts will be made to enhance the detection capabilities for neutral UHE particles, such as photons and neutrinos, leveraging advancements in detector technologies while boosting the observatory multi-messenger capabilities. Thirdly, Calibration of the Auger Detectors will ensure accurate data collection and analysis, including the development of inter-calibration techniques for newly installed detectors using a Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) hodoscope built by the Portuguese group.Additionally, the performance of low-flux RPCs aimed for outdoor conditions will be explored, paving the way for the next generation of cosmic ray detectors. Lastly, Outreach initiatives will promote awareness and interest in astroparticle physics, showcasing Portugal's contributions to the Pierre Auger Observatory.The proposed project solidifies the involvement of the Portuguese group in the Pierre Auger Observatory, building upon its notable contributions to collaboration activities. With this proposal, the group seeks to reinforce its position as a foremost authority in Air Shower Phenomenology and Cosmic Ray Detector Development.Ultimately, the successful realization of the outlined objective will lead to a more profound understanding of the complex hadronic interactions shaping shower development. Consequently, this will shed light on the nature and origins of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs).

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Suporte sob

Reforçar a investigação, o desenvolvimento tecnológico e a inovação

Região de Intervenção

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Financiamento

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Datas

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