The Protons in Primary Cosmic Rays in the Energy Range 10^15-10^17 eV According to Data from the PAMIR Experiment

TL;DR

This paper presents adjusted measurements of the proton fraction in primary cosmic rays within 10^15 to 10^17 eV, based on data from the PAMIR experiment, showing a stable proton fraction across this energy range.

Contribution

It provides refined estimates of proton fractions in cosmic rays using detailed response calculations of the PAMIR X-ray emulsion chamber.

Findings

Proton fraction is 16-18% at 10^15-10^16 eV.

Proton fraction remains stable within errors up to 10^17 eV.

Data adjustments improve accuracy of cosmic ray composition estimates.

Abstract

Adjusted data on the fraction of protons in the mass composition of primary cosmic rays (PCRs) in the energy range of 10^15-10^17 eV are presented. Adjustments are made according to detailed calculations of the response of the X-ray emulsion chamber in the PAMIR experiment. It is demonstrated that the fraction of protons in a PCR is 16-18% for E0 = 10^15-10^16 eV and does not change within the error for E0 = 10^16-10^17 eV.