Model-independent approach to deducing the mass composition of primary cosmic rays on the basis of the scale invariance in the radial distribution of electrons in extensive air showers

Abstract

A new approach to deducing the mass composition of primary cosmic rays is proposed using the air showers universality and the scaling property of the electron lateral distribution function. Experimental data from the KASCADE, MSU, and KASCADE-Grande arrays have been analyzed, allowing conclusions as to the variations of mass composition above the knee to be drawn independently of the hadron-nucleus interaction model.