Fine structure of all-particle energy spectrum in the knee region

Abstract

All-particle energy spectrum in the knee region obtained from extensive air shower (EAS) measurements (GAMMA experiment, 700 g/cm2, Armenia) is presented. Energies of primary particles in the range of 106–108 GeV were evaluated on the basis of observed shower parameters Nch,Nμ, s, θ and corresponding parameterisation of CORSIKA simulated database for SIBYLL interaction model. All shower detection and reconstruction uncertainties were included in the simulated showers for four kinds (H, He, O, Fe) of primary nuclei. The reliability of observed all-particle energy spectrum is investigated from viewpoint of methodical errors and statistical fluctuations. Observed fine structure of all-particle energy spectrum can be interpreted by the rigidity-dependent steepening Galactic diffuse nuclei flux and an additional iron component in the region of 70-80 PeV primary energies most likely originated from nearby pulsars.