MARTA: A high-energy cosmic-ray detector concept with high-accuracy muon measurement

TL;DR

This paper introduces MARTA, a novel high-energy cosmic-ray detector that combines resistive plate chambers with electromagnetic component measurement to achieve high-accuracy muon detection in air showers.

Contribution

It presents a new detector concept integrating RPCs with electromagnetic detectors for improved muon measurement in air shower studies.

Findings

High spatial and temporal resolution muon measurements achieved.

Compact detector design enables combined electromagnetic and muon detection.

Enhanced data quality for cosmic-ray air shower analysis.

Abstract

A new concept for the direct measurement of muons in air showers is presented. The concept is based on resistive plate chambers (RPCs), which can directly measure muons with very good space and time resolution. The muon detector is shielded by placing it under another detector able to absorb and measure the electromagnetic component of the showers such as a water-Cherenkov detector, commonly used in air shower arrays. The combination of the two detectors in a single, compact detector unit provides a unique measurement that opens rich possibilities in the study of air showers.