Radio signals of cosmic-ray-induced air showers at the Pierre Auger Observatory
PhD ceremony: Mr. S. Harmsma, 13.15 uur, Doopsgezinde kerk, Oude Boteringestraat 33, Groningen
Dissertation: Radio signals of cosmic-ray-induced air showers at the Pierre Auger Observatory
Promotor(s): prof. A.M. van den Berg, prof. F.L. Linde
Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences
This PhD thesis reports on the measurement of radio signals from cosmic-ray-induced air showers. These measurements were performed with a first-generation radio setup, located at the site of the Pierre Auger Observatory.
The Pierre Auger Observatory has been built in Argentina to study cosmic rays at the highest energies (1018 eV and above). With 3,000 km2the Pierre Auger Observatory is world's largest cosmic-ray observatory; it was built by an international collaboration of more than 450 scientists from 18 countries.
The ultra-high-energy cosmic rays that are studied at the observatory are part of an interesting scientific puzzle. Although we know that these cosmic rays have an energy that is extremely high, we do not know how they have obtained this energy. An attempt to solve this puzzle is made at the observatory by measuring the properties of these cosmic rays. What are they and where do they come from?
When ultra-high-energy cosmic rays hit the Earth's atmosphere, an avalanche of billions of particles is created. This avalanche is called an air shower, and cosmic rays are studied through the measurement of these air showers. To improve these measurements, we have worked on a relatively new detection technique. This technique uses radio antennas to detect radiation that is emitted by the charged particles within an air shower.
This thesis reports on the first results of the radio measurements on cosmic rays at the site of the Auger observatory. Although the amount of data is limited, clear radio signals from cosmic rays have been observed with the first-generation radio setup. The properties of cosmic rays with a clear radio signal are discussed, and reasons are given why some cosmic rays give a clear radio signal while others do not.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.11 a.m. |
More news
-
23 April 2024
Nine MSCA Doctoral Network grants for FSE researchers
Nine researchers of the Faculty of Science and Engineering have received a Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network grant.
-
22 April 2024
Charissa Roossien secures JTF subsidy to develop Health Tracker
Dr. Charissa Roossien (ENTEG) has successfully secured a Just Transition Fund (JTF) subsidy of 1.8 million euros to develop a Health Tracker for reliable respiratory and metabolic analysis.
-
16 April 2024
UG signs Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information
In a significant stride toward advancing responsible research assessment and open science, the University of Groningen has officially signed the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information.