Bonn 2010 – scientific programme

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T: Fachverband Teilchenphysik

T 106: Kosmische Strahlung VI

T 106.6: Talk

Friday, March 19, 2010, 15:15–15:30, HG VIII

Reconstruction of the primary energy from the S(500) observable recorded with the KASCADE-Grande detector — •Gabriel Toma — National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering - Horia Hulubei, Bucharest, Romania

It has been shown that the charged particle density becomes independent of the primary mass at large but fixed distances from the shower core. This makes it possible to use the charged particle density as an estimator for the primary energy. In the case of the KASCADE-Grande experiment simulations have indicated that the particular radial distance from the shower axis where this effect takes place is around 500 m. Therefore a notation S(500) is used for the charged particle density at this specific distance. We present the reconstruction of the primary energy spectrum of cosmic rays from the experimentally recorded S(500) observable using the KASCADE-Grande detector. The constant intensity cut (CIC) method is applied to evaluate the attenuation of the S(500) observable with the zenith angle. A correction is subsequently applied to correct all recorded S(500) values for attenuation. Each corrected S(500) value is converted into the corresponding primary energy value by means of a simulation-derived calibration of S(500) with the primary energy (in the energy range accessible to the KASCADE-Grande array, 10¹⁶-10¹⁸ eV). The effect of fluctuations on the shape of the reconstructed primary energy spectrum is evaluated by the use of a response matrix. The systematic uncertainties induced by different factors are also evaluated.