Energy spectrum of primary cosmic rays at energies of 2 × 1013 to 5 × 1017 eV, according to Tien Shan data

Abstract

The primary cosmic ray energy spectrum at energies of 1015 to 5 × 1017 eV is presented using the results from observations by the Tien Shan HADRON array. The spectrum was obtained from the spectrum of showers according to the number of electrons using a new way of determining the parameter of spatial distribution function S of electrons. The energy spectrum can be extended to low energies up to 2 × 1013 eV using data from separate experiments at the former Tien Shan array. Conclusions are drawn regarding changes in the form of the spectrum and its chemical composition at energies over 1016 eV. The spectrum is compared to the results from the TUNKA installation.