Göttingen 2025 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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T: Fachverband Teilchenphysik
T 79: Methods in Astroparticle Physics III
T 79.8: Vortrag
Donnerstag, 3. April 2025, 18:00–18:15, VG 3.101
A test system for the AERA/RD beacon at the Pierre Auger Observatory — Markus Cristinziani1, Eric-Teunis de Boone1, Qader Dorosti1, Stefan Heidbrink2, •Noah Siegemund1, Waldemar Stroh2, Jens Winter2, and Michael Ziolkowski2 — 1Experimentelle Astroteilchenphysik, Center for Particle Physics Siegen, Universität Siegen — 2Elektronikentwicklungslabor des Departments Physik, Universität Siegen
Precise timing is crucial in the radio detection of cosmic-ray-induced air showers, as it enables an accurate reconstruction of Xmax through radio interferometry. GPS receivers such as those used for time synchronization in AERA/RD at the Pierre Auger Observatory cannot achieve sub-ns accuracy. To correct these inaccuracies, AERA exploits a beacon system that transmits sine waves to provide timing corrections. We are developing a test system based on the White Rabbit (WR) technology to evaluate the accuracy and scalability of the beacon. This system can tackle new challenges associated with the upgrade from AERA to RD. WR delivers precise timing in the sub-ns range over a distance up to several kilometers via fiber optic cables and serves as a reference signal for data acquisition at multiple radio stations. The recorded data is analyzed offline using interferometric signal processing techniques to assess the stability of the beacon signal. Sub-ns accuracy has been achieved in our initial tests on a short baseline. Future plans to scale the system are outlined in this contribution.
Keywords: Auger; AERA; Radio interferometry; Beacon; Sub-ns timing