How uncertain are model predictions for the muon content of extensive air showers

TL;DR

This paper examines the uncertainty in model predictions of muon content in extensive air showers, analyzing how hadron-air interactions and new simulation tools influence these predictions and their alignment with accelerator data.

Contribution

It introduces a new Monte Carlo generator, QGSb, to study the impact of specific interaction mechanisms on muon predictions in air showers.

Findings

QGSb helps identify key interaction mechanisms affecting muon content.

Constraints from accelerator measurements limit the range of plausible model predictions.

Uncertainties in hadron-air interactions significantly influence EAS muon number estimates.

Abstract

The relation of model predictions for muon content of extensive air showers (EAS) to particular properties of hadron-air interactions is discussed. Further, using a new Monte Carlo generator of cosmic ray interactions, QGSb, the relevance of particular interaction mechanisms to the predicted EAS muon number is studied in some detail. The corresponding constraints imposed by accelerator measurements are discussed as well.