Detection of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays in the southern hemisphere with FAST: data acquisition and preliminary results

TL;DR

This paper introduces FAST, a new ground-based fluorescence telescope array for detecting ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, detailing its data acquisition, novel triggering algorithms, and preliminary sensitivity results in the southern hemisphere.

Contribution

The paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of two improved triggering algorithms for FAST, enhancing autonomous detection of UHECRs in a cost-effective, large-area observatory.

Findings

Validated trigger algorithms with Monte Carlo simulations

Demonstrated FAST's capability to detect UHECRs in the southern hemisphere

Provided initial sensitivity estimates for the FAST detector

Abstract

Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) remain one of the greatest mysteries in astroparticle physics. The Fluorescence detector Array of Single-pixel Telescopes (FAST) is a next-generation cosmic ray experiment which utilizes ground-based fluorescence telescopes designed to detect these extremely rare particles at energies exceeding 30 EeV. FAST offers a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution to cover the huge detection areas required for UHECR observation. FAST telescopes are currently installed and remotely operated in both hemispheres, at the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Telescope Array experiment. To enable fully autonomous operation, a sophisticated trigger for data acquisition is essential. In this paper, we present two novel triggering algorithms inspired by those used at the largest observatories, but improved to meet the specific requirements imposed by the FAST design. Their performance is validated using Monte Carlo simulations of extensive air showers and UHECR events detected by the FAST telescope in the southern hemisphere. Finally, we present the sensitivity analysis estimate for FAST.