Test of hadronic interaction models with air shower data

TL;DR

This paper discusses how air shower data is used to test and constrain high-energy hadronic interaction models, providing insights beyond current accelerator experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a method of using air shower observations to evaluate and refine models of high-energy hadronic interactions.

Findings

Air shower data constrains hadronic interaction models

Results complement accelerator-based measurements

Improves understanding of high-energy interactions

Abstract

The description of high-energy hadronic interactions plays an important role in the (astrophysical) interpretation of air shower data. The parameter space important for the development of air showers (energy and kinematical range) extends well beyond todays accelerator capabilities. Therefore, accurate measurements of air showers are used to constrain modern models to describe high-energy hadronic interactions. The results obtained are complementary to information gained at accelerators and add to our understanding of high-energy hadronic interactions.