CRT: A numerical tool for propagating ultra-high energy cosmic rays through Galactic magnetic field models

TL;DR

CRT is a publicly available numerical tool designed to simulate the propagation of ultra-high energy cosmic rays through Galactic magnetic field models, aiding in source identification efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a flexible, validated software for forward and back-tracking cosmic rays in various magnetic field configurations, enhancing analysis capabilities.

Findings

Validated integration routines ensure accurate particle propagation.

Supports custom and predefined magnetic field models.

Enables detailed source and composition studies.

Abstract

Deflection of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) by the Galactic magnetic field (GMF) may be sufficiently strong to hinder identification of the UHECR source distribution. A common method for determining the effect of GMF models on source identification efforts is backtracking cosmic rays. We present the public numerical tool CRT for propagating charged particles through Galactic magnetic field models by numerically integrating the relativistic equation of motion. It is capable of both forward- and back-tracking particles with varying compositions through pre-defined and custom user-created magnetic fields. These particles are injected from various types of sources specified and distributed according to the user. Here, we present a description of some source and magnetic field model implementations, as well as validation of the integration routines.