The particle detector in your pocket: The Distributed Electronic Cosmic-ray Observatory

TL;DR

The DECO project leverages the widespread use of cell phone cameras as a global, citizen-science-based cosmic-ray detector, enabling large-scale detection of energetic particles worldwide.

Contribution

This work introduces a novel, accessible particle detection system using cell phone sensors, expanding cosmic-ray research and public engagement.

Findings

Candidate cosmic-ray events detected on all seven continents

Images can be categorized by morphology

Demonstrates feasibility of large-scale citizen science in particle detection

Abstract

The total area of silicon in cell phone camera sensors worldwide surpasses that in any experiment to date. Based on semiconductor technology similar to that found in modern astronomical telescopes and particle detectors, these sensors can detect ionizing radiation in addition to photons. The Distributed Electronic Cosmic-ray Observatory (DECO) uses the global network of active cell phones in order to detect cosmic rays and other energetic particles such as those produced by radioactive decays. DECO consists of an Android application, database, and public data browser available to citizen scientists around the world (https://wipac.wisc.edu/deco). Candidate cosmic-ray events have been detected on all seven continents and can be categorized by the morphology of their corresponding images. We present the DECO project, a novel particle detector with wide applications in public outreach and education.