Implementation of a custom time-domain firmware trigger for RADAR-based cosmic ray detection

TL;DR

This paper presents a new time-domain firmware trigger for RADAR-based cosmic ray detection, enhancing sensitivity and tested in field deployments, aiming to improve detection of ultra-high energy cosmic rays.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel firmware trigger that exploits scattered signal characteristics, improving detection sensitivity for UHECRs in radio-based experiments.

Findings

Enhanced trigger sensitivity demonstrated in field deployments

Successful implementation in two separate field tests

Potential for more economical cosmic ray detection methods

Abstract

Interest in Radio-based detection schemes for ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) has surged in recent years, owing to the potentially very low cost/detection ratio. The method of radio-frequency (RF) scatter has been proposed as potentially the most economical detection technology. Though the first dedicated experiment to employ this method, the Telescope Array RADAR experiment (TARA), reported no signal, efforts to develop more robust and sensitive trigger techniques continue. This paper details the development of a time-domain firmware trigger that exploits characteristics of the expected scattered signal from an UHECR extensive-air shower (EAS). The improved sensitivity of this trigger is discussed, as well as implementation in two separate field deployments from 2016-2017.