Optical performance assessment of a fluorescence detector for the telescope array low-energy extension experiment by using the interferometric simulation method

Abstract

The fluorescence detector (FD) of the Telescope Array Low-Energy Extension (TALE) has been designed with different structures comprised of various materials. However, the cycle of expansion and contraction in these materials in response to thermal effects results in structural deformation. Furthermore, because the TALE-FD is exposed to high-temperature environments, significant light dispersion occurs as a result of the substantial deformation of the mirror (due to thermal expansion mismatch); this is considered to be an important issue that must be addressed in order to enhance the array performance and productivity. As the optical surface accuracy may be influenced by the structural deformation, an assessment of any significant structural deformations of the component materials is necessary to increase confidence in the array’s operation. The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between temperature increases and changes in the surface accuracy of the TALE-FD large mirror. For this purpose, Cherenkov light emission and the fluorescence processes of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) are emulated in order to assess the optical performance of the TALE-FD in practical situations. Additionally, the detection sensitivity of the TALE-FD large mirror is experimentally identified by measuring the distribution of the focused spot produced by incident light over the surface of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) sensor array.