ESAF: Full Simulation of Space-Based Extensive Air Showers Detectors

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation framework for space-based fluorescence detectors of extensive air showers, focusing on atmospheric light propagation, cloud effects, and detector response to improve cosmic ray and neutrino observations.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation of all physical processes in space-based EAS detection, including atmospheric effects and detector response, extending to larger, more sensitive telescopes.

Findings

Energy threshold and resolution characterized

Direction resolution and Xmax determination analyzed

Simulation results inform future detector designs

Abstract

Future detection of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) produced by Ultra High Energy Cosmic Particles (UHECP) by means of space based fluorescence telescopes will open a new window on the universe and allow cosmic ray and neutrino astronomy at a level that is virtually impossible for ground based detectors. In this paper we summarize the results obtained in the context of the EUSO project by means of a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of all the physical processes involved in the fluorescence technique, from the Extensive Air Shower development to the instrument response. Particular emphasis is given to modeling the light propagation in the atmosphere and the effect of clouds. Main results on energy threshold and resolution, direction resolution and Xmax determination are reported. Results are based on EUSO telescope design, but are also extended to larger and more sensitive detectors.