Performance of the RF-detectors of the Astroneu Array

TL;DR

This study evaluates the performance of the Astroneu array's RF detectors over four years, demonstrating effective EAS detection, axis reconstruction, and RF emission mechanism analysis in a challenging electromagnetic environment.

Contribution

The paper introduces an analysis of the Astroneu array's RF detection capabilities, including shower reconstruction and emission mechanism measurement, in a high-background environment.

Findings

Successful EAS axis reconstruction with different detector layouts

Agreement of RF emission mechanisms with previous studies and simulations

Effective noise rejection enabling radio detection in electromagnetic noise

Abstract

Since 2014, the University Campus of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) hosts the Astroneu array which is dedicated to the detection of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) induced by high energy Cosmic Rays (CR). The Astroneu array incorporates 9 large particle scintillation detectors and 6 antennas sensitive in the Radio Frequency (RF) range 1-200 MHz. The detectors are adjusted in three autonomous stations operating in an environment with strong electromagnetic background. As shown by previous studies, EAS radio detection in such environments is possible using innovative noise rejection methods, as well as advanced analysis techniques. In this work, we present the analysis of the collected radio data corresponding to an operational period of approximately four years. We present the performance of the Astroneu radio array in reconstructing the EAS axis direction using different RF detector geometrical layouts and a technique for the estimation of the shower core by comparing simulation and experimental data. Moreover, we measure the relative amplitudes of the two mechanisms that give rise to RF emission (Askaryan effect and Geomagnetic emission) and show that they are in good agreement with previous studies as well as with the simulation predictions.