RUcore Resource Object
RUcore Resource Object
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TitleFirst observation of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff
NameHughes, Gareth (author), Thomson, Gordon (chair), Bergman, Douglas (internal member), Thomas, Scott (internal member), Sengupta, Anirvan (internal member), Takai, Helio (outside member), Rutgers University, Graduate School - New Brunswick,
Degree Date2009-05
Date Created2009
SubjectPhysics and Astronomy,
Cosmic rays
DescriptionThe High Resolution Fly's Eye Detector has observed the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff at the level of 5sigma. The flux of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays from 10^17.2eV to 10^20.2eV has been measured. From the features seen in the spectrum it is found to
be consistent with extra-galactic Cosmic Rays of a light composition (mostly protons). A detector simulation is used to calculate the aperture of the experiment. Data-Monte Carlo comparisons are shown as
a check of the accuracy of the simulation. Systematic effects of the detector and analysis are described and the effect on energy scale are presented.
We have carried out a study of the cosmic ray shower development. The results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical predictions. This is the first time data has been analyzed in this way at such high energies. Events are found to agree with the Gaisser-Hillas profile which is used as input to the Monte Carlo and to calculate the primary particle energy.
Finally the Telescope Array (TA) experiment is described and its proposed Low Energy Extension (TALE). The effect of using a faster FADC system on the geometrical reconstruction is investigated. The results from this study will be used in the design of TALE electronics.
be consistent with extra-galactic Cosmic Rays of a light composition (mostly protons). A detector simulation is used to calculate the aperture of the experiment. Data-Monte Carlo comparisons are shown as
a check of the accuracy of the simulation. Systematic effects of the detector and analysis are described and the effect on energy scale are presented.
We have carried out a study of the cosmic ray shower development. The results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical predictions. This is the first time data has been analyzed in this way at such high energies. Events are found to agree with the Gaisser-Hillas profile which is used as input to the Monte Carlo and to calculate the primary particle energy.
Finally the Telescope Array (TA) experiment is described and its proposed Low Energy Extension (TALE). The effect of using a faster FADC system on the geometrical reconstruction is investigated. The results from this study will be used in the design of TALE electronics.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references (p. 128-133)
Noteby Gareth Hughes
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttp://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.2/rucore10001600001.ETD.000051355
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.