Extracting a less model dependent cosmic ray composition from Xmax distributions
Date
2018
Authors
Blaess, Simon Garry
Editors
Advisors
Bellido Caceres, Jose Alfredo
Dawson, Bruce Robert
Dawson, Bruce Robert
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Theses
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Abstract
Knowledge of the acceleration mechanisms, possible sources and arrival direction distribution of
ultra high energy cosmic rays can be furthered by increasing our understanding of the cosmic
ray mass composition. The Pierre Auger Observatory measures the depth of shower maximum
(Xmax [max subscript]) of ultra high energy cosmic rays, an observable which is sensitive to the mass of the
cosmic ray, and often analysed in mass composition studies. At ultra high energies, the results of
mass composition studies depend strongly on the particle interaction predictions of the assumed
hadronic interaction model. A novel approach to reduce the model dependency in the interpretation
of the mass composition will be outlined in this thesis. The Xmax [max subscript] predictions of the models
were parameterised in terms of the primary mass. The mass composition fractions and some
of the parameterisation coefficients are then fitted to the data, resulting in a mass composition
estimate which is of reduced model dependency. The results of this approach applied to Pierre
Auger Observatory data are presented.
School/Discipline
School of Physical Sciences
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 2018
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