The cosmic-ray air-shower signal in Askaryan radio detectors

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the radio signals produced by high-energy cosmic-ray air showers, including new components like transition radiation, to improve detection strategies for Askaryan radio detectors aiming to observe GZK neutrinos.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model that includes in-air, in-ice, and transition radiation components of radio emission from cosmic-ray air showers.

Findings

Radio signals from air showers are detectable by Askaryan detectors.

Transition radiation significantly contributes to the overall radio emission.

The model enhances understanding of signals for GZK neutrino detection.

Abstract

We discuss the radio emission from high-energy cosmic-ray induced air showers hitting Earth's surface before the cascade has died out in the atmosphere. The induced emission gives rise to a radio signal which should be detectable in the currently operating Askaryan radio detectors built to search for the GZK neutrino flux in ice. The in-air emission, the in-ice emission, as well as a new component, the coherent transition radiation when the particle bunch crosses the air-ice boundary, are included in the calculations.