Search for Ultra-High Energy Photons with the Pierre Auger Observatory

TL;DR

This paper reports on the search for ultra-high energy photons using data from the Pierre Auger Observatory, employing hybrid and surface detector observations to test photon flux predictions above 10^19 eV.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive search for UHE photons combining hybrid and surface detector data, providing new constraints on photon fluxes at energies above 10^19 eV.

Findings

No significant photon signals detected.

Stricter upper limits on photon fluxes above 10^19 eV.

Enhanced sensitivity through combined detection methods.

Abstract

Data taken at the Pierre Auger Observatory are used to search for air showers initiated by ultra-high energy (UHE) photons. Results of searches are reported from hybrid observations where events are measured with both fluorescence and array detectors. Additionally, a more stringent test of the photon fluxes predicted with energies above 10^19 eV is made using a larger data set measured using only the surface detectors of the observatory.