Abstract
We present a concept for large-area, low-cost detection of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with a Fluorescence detector Array of Single-pixel Telescopes (FAST), addressing the requirements for the next generation of UHECR experiments. In the FAST design, a large field of view is covered by a few pixels at the focal plane of a mirror or Fresnel lens. We report on the first results of a FAST prototype installed at the Telescope Array (TA) site, consisting of a single 200 mm photomultiplier tube (PMT) at the focal plane of a 1 m2 Fresnel lens system taken from the prototype of the JEM-EUSO experiment. We also report on the status of the full-scale FAST prototype soon to be installed at the TA site, comprising a segmented spherical mirror of 1.6 m diameter and a 2 × 2 PMT camera.
Highlights
We present a concept for large-area, low-cost detection of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with a Fluorescence detector Array of Single-pixel Telescopes (FAST)b, addressing the requirements for the generation of UHECR experiments
Two well-established techniques are used for UHECR detection: 1) arrays of detectors sample EAS particles reaching the ground; 2) large field of view telescopes allow for reconstruction of the shower development in the atmosphere by imaging ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence light from atmospheric nitrogen excited by EAS particles
A first test of the FAST concept was performed profiting from the existing infrastructure of the JEM-EUSO experiment at the Telescope Array (TA) site in Utah, where a prototype [7] is currently installed for a comprehensive test of the optics and electronics of this space-based detector
Summary
The origin and nature of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) is one of the most intriguing mysteries in particle astrophysics [1] Given their minute flux, less than one per century per square kilometre at the highest energies, a very large area must be instrumented to collect significant statistics. To further advance the field, the generation of experiments will require an aperture which is larger by an order of magnitude This may be accomplished by fluorescence detection of UHECR showers from space, as in the proposed JEM-EUSO mission [6], or with a giant ground array. The Fluorescence detector Array of Single-pixel Telescopes (FAST) would consist of compact FD telescopes featuring a smaller light-collecting area and far fewer pixels than current-generation FD designs, leading to a significant reduction in cost. FAST stations, powered by solar panels and with wireless connection, could be deployed in an array configuration to cover a very large area at low cost
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