The detection of extreme energy cosmic rays and neutrinos is the challenge of the future generation experiments in astroparticle physics. To extend our knowledge on the origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays and our understanding of particle interactions for E > 10(20) eV, we need the use of a detector with an effective area many times that of the today operative or planned experiments. The Extreme Universe Space Observatory-EUSO-meets this requirement and is the first experiment using the observation from a space-platform of the Earth atmosphere which behaves like an active detector for these extreme energy primary events. The air fluorescence of the extensive air showers produced by primary particles penetrating the Earth atmosphere is imaged by the EUSO telescope as the UV light progresses down through the atmosphere. A novel approach based on the single-photon counting and fast timing image technique permits to resolve arrival direction, energy and nature of the primary cosmic ray. The EUSO telescope conception, detection technique, system electronics and operating parameters are evaluated and discussed in this paper together with the planned mission profile and the operational performance expected.
Extreme Universe Space Observatory - EUSO: an innovative project for the detection of extreme energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos
2001
Abstract
The detection of extreme energy cosmic rays and neutrinos is the challenge of the future generation experiments in astroparticle physics. To extend our knowledge on the origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays and our understanding of particle interactions for E > 10(20) eV, we need the use of a detector with an effective area many times that of the today operative or planned experiments. The Extreme Universe Space Observatory-EUSO-meets this requirement and is the first experiment using the observation from a space-platform of the Earth atmosphere which behaves like an active detector for these extreme energy primary events. The air fluorescence of the extensive air showers produced by primary particles penetrating the Earth atmosphere is imaged by the EUSO telescope as the UV light progresses down through the atmosphere. A novel approach based on the single-photon counting and fast timing image technique permits to resolve arrival direction, energy and nature of the primary cosmic ray. The EUSO telescope conception, detection technique, system electronics and operating parameters are evaluated and discussed in this paper together with the planned mission profile and the operational performance expected.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
