In-situ absolute calibration of electric-field amplitude measurements with the LPDA radio detector stations of the Pierre Auger Observatory

TL;DR

This paper presents an in-situ absolute calibration method for electric-field measurements at the Pierre Auger Observatory using a drone-based source, improving calibration accuracy for radio detection of air showers.

Contribution

The study introduces a drone-assisted calibration technique for radio detectors, with detailed analysis of position reconstruction and comparison to simulations for improved accuracy.

Findings

Good agreement between measurements and simulations

Effective drone-based calibration method demonstrated

Enhanced accuracy in electric-field amplitude measurements

Abstract

With the Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) located at the Pierre Auger Observatory, radio emission of extensive air showers is observed. To exploit the physics potential of AERA, electric-field amplitude measurements with the radio detector stations need to be well-calibrated on an absolute level. A convenient tool for far-field calibration campaigns is a flying drone. Here we make use of an octocopter to place a calibrated source at freely chosen positions above the radio detector array. Special emphasis is put on the reconstruction of the octocopter position and its accuracy during the flights. The antenna response pattern of the radio detector stations was measured in a recent calibration campaign. Results of these measurements are presented and compared to simulations. It is found that measurements and simulations are in good agreement.