Propagation of UHECRs in the Universe

TL;DR

This paper presents comprehensive simulations of ultra-high energy cosmic ray propagation, incorporating cosmological effects and magnetic fields to better interpret experimental data and understand their origins and acceleration mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a realistic simulation framework that simultaneously accounts for cosmological and magnetic field effects on UHECR propagation.

Findings

Simulations show significant impact of magnetic fields on UHECR trajectories.

Cosmological effects influence energy loss processes of UHECRs.

Results improve interpretation of experimental UHECR data.

Abstract

The origin, propagation, and mechanisms of acceleration of the ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) are not yet well understood. Aiming for a better interpretation of the available experimental data, these data have to be confronted with theoretical models. A realistic simulation of the propagation of UHECRs in the universe should take into account all the relevant energy loss processes due to the interaction with astrophysical backgrounds, as well as the intervening cosmic magnetic fields. Cosmological effects, such as the redshift dependence of the photon backgrounds and the adiabatic expansion of the universe can play an important role in the aforementioned processes. Here we present results of simulations of the propagation of UHECR through the large scale structure of the universe considering cosmological and magnetic field effects simultaneously.