The Pierre Auger Project and Enhancements

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current scientific results of the Auger Observatory, discusses its detection systems, and introduces enhancements including radio detection, high-elevation telescopes, and the AMIGA muon detector array for studying ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.

Contribution

It presents the latest scientific findings from the Auger Observatory and details the design and initial performance of its new detection enhancements, especially the AMIGA muon array.

Findings

Preliminary performance data of the 750 m surface detector array.

Initial results from the first muon counter prototype.

Insights into the cosmic ray spectrum between 10^17 and 10^19 eV.

Abstract

The current status of the scientific results of the Auger Observatory will be discussed which include spectrum, anisotropy in arrival directions, chemical composition analyses, and limits on neutrino and photon fluxes. A review of the Observatory detection systems will be presented. Auger has started the construction of its second phase which encompasses antennae for radio detection of cosmic rays, high-elevation telescopes, and surface plus muon detectors. Details will be presented on the latter, AMIGA (Auger Muons and Infill for the Ground Array), an Auger project consisting of 85 detector pairs each one composed of a surface water-Cherenkov detector and a buried muon counter. The detector pairs are arranged in an array with spacings of 433 and 750 m in order to perform a detailed study of the 10^17 eV to 10^19 eV spectrum region. Preliminary results on the performance of the 750 m array of surface detectors and the first muon counter prototype will be presented.