Search for ultra-high energy photons by complex data of the Yakutsk array

Stanislav Knurenko,Igor Petrov,B Pattison,T Sako,Y Itow,H Menjo

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201920808010

Stanislav Knurenko, Igor Petrov + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201920808010

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Abstract

Complex analysis of the Yakutsk array data in order to find air showers produced by photons with energy ≥1018 eV is carried out. On the basis of simulations and experimental data, selection criteria are formed and air showers with characteristics close to those criteria are selected. Using the data an upper limit of the integral photon flux in cosmic radiation of ultra-high energies is obtained.

Highlights

Neutral particles due to their physical properties can go a long way in matter before they start to interact with the matter and produce cascades of secondary particles
In the dense atmosphere of the Earth, the neutral particles produce extensive air shower (EAS), and the depth of the maximum development will be near sea level, i.e. these are “young showers”
Attention should be made towards inclined air showers with θ ≥ 60◦, if they have a similar picture in the air shower development, namely large number of peaks in the signal scan

Summary

Introduction

Neutral particles due to their physical properties can go a long way in matter before they start to interact with the matter and produce cascades of secondary particles. In the dense atmosphere of the Earth, the neutral particles produce extensive air shower (EAS), and the depth of the maximum development will be near sea level, i.e. these are “young showers” The base of such air showers is the electron-photon component, which scatters to large angles and has long delays relative to particles in the shower core (typically τdelay ≤ 5 μs). Attention should be made towards inclined air showers with θ ≥ 60◦, if they have a similar picture in the air shower development, namely large number of peaks in the signal scan This distinguishes air showers produced by primary gamma rays and neutrinos from those produced by primary nuclei with the depth of the maximum height in the atmosphere so, mostly only muons are observed at sea level. A comprehensive approach was used, when all components of the shower were analyzed simultaneously: electrons, muons and Cherenkov radiation, including spatio-temporal scans of pulses from scintillation detectors of the Yakutsk EAS apparatus

Experimental Data

Estimation of the gamma-ray flux upper limit

Findings

Conclusion