A Model of the Response of Surface Detectors to Extensive Air Showers Based on Shower Universality

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive model for surface detector responses to extensive air showers, based on shower universality principles, applicable to various detector types, and capable of reconstructing key shower observables.

Contribution

The model provides a new parametrization for water-Cerenkov and scintillator detectors, enabling improved reconstruction of shower parameters from surface detector data.

Findings

Effective reconstruction of $X_{max}$ and $R_$ from detector data

Applicable to multiple detector types including Pierre Auger Observatory

Demonstrates reasonable precision in shower observable estimation

Abstract

We present a full model of surface-detector responses to extensive air showers. The model is motivated by the principles of air-shower universality and can be applied to different types of surface detectors. Here we describe a parametrization for both water-Cerenkov detectors and scintillator surface detectors, as for instance employed by the upgraded detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory. Using surface detector data, the model can be used to reconstruct with reasonable precision shower observables such as the depth of the shower maximum $X_\text{max}$ and the number of muons $R_\mu$.