On the energy deposition by electrons in air and the accurate determination of the air-fluorescence yield

TL;DR

This paper improves the accuracy of air-fluorescence yield measurements by refining energy deposition calculations using an upgraded Monte Carlo algorithm, leading to more reliable cosmic ray energy estimates.

Contribution

It introduces an upgraded Monte Carlo algorithm for calculating energy deposition, enhancing the precision of fluorescence yield measurements.

Findings

Excellent agreement between the new algorithm and Geant4 simulations.

Refined energy deposition calculations enable more accurate fluorescence yield corrections.

A reliable world average of the air-fluorescence yield is obtained.

Abstract

The uncertainty in the absolute value of the air-fluorescence yield still puts a severe limit on the accuracy in the primary energy of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The precise measurement of this parameter in laboratory is in turn conditioned by a careful evaluation of the energy deposited in the experimental collision chamber. In this work we discuss on the calculation of the energy deposition and its accuracy. Results from an upgraded Monte Carlo algorithm that we have developed are compared with those obtained using Geant4, showing excellent agreement. These updated calculations of energy deposition are used to apply some corrections to the available measurements of the absolute fluorescence yield, allowing us to obtain a reliable world average of this important parameter.