Cosmic ray detection with the LOFAR radio telescope

TL;DR

LOFAR has been effectively measuring cosmic rays using its dense antenna array, enabling detailed studies of radio emissions from air showers in the ultra-high-energy range, with ongoing improvements in data analysis and software.

Contribution

This paper reports on LOFAR's recent advancements in cosmic ray detection, reconstruction, and software development, highlighting its unique measurement approach with dense antenna arrays.

Findings

Successful measurement of cosmic rays in the 10^{16} to 10^{18.5} eV range

Enhanced reconstruction and interpolation techniques developed

Preparation for final data release and array upgrade

Abstract

The LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) has successfully measured cosmic rays for over a decade now. With its dense core of antenna fields in the Netherlands, it is an ideal tool for studying the radio emission from extensive air showers in the $10^{16}$ eV to $10^{18.5}$ eV range. Every air shower is measured with a small particle detector array and hundreds of antennas, which sets LOFAR apart from other air shower arrays. We present our current achievements and progress in reconstruction, interpolation, and software development during the final phases of measurement of LOFAR 1.0, before the LOFAR array gets a significant upgrade, including also plans for the final data release and refined analyses.