The 〈 ln A 〉 study with the Muon tracking detector in the KASCADE-Grande experiment – comparison of hadronic interaction models

Abstract

Abstract. With the KASCADE-Grande Muon Tracking Detector it was possible to measure with high accuracy directions of EAS muons with energy above 0.8 GeV and up to 700 m distance from the shower centre. Reconstructed muon tracks allow investigation of muon pseudorapidity (η) distributions. These distributions are nearly identical to the pseudorapidity distributions of their parent mesons produced in hadronic interactions. Comparison of the η distributions from measured and simulated showers can be used to test the quality of the high energy hadronic interaction models. The pseudorapidity distributions reflect the longitudinal development of EAS and, as such, are sensitive to the mass of the cosmic ray primary particles. With various parameters of the η distribution, obtained from the Muon Tracking Detector data, it is possible to calculate the average logarithm of mass of the primary cosmic ray particles. The results of the ln A analysis in the primary energy range 10 16 eV-10 17 eV with the 1 st quartile and the mean value of the distributions will be presented for the QGSJet-II-2, QGSJet-II-4, EPOS 1.99 and EPOS LHC models in combination with the FLUKA model.

No muon excess in extensive air showers at 100–500 PeV primary energy: EAS–MSU results

“…7 of Ref. [18], stars; 59% iron), we obtain k = 0.91 ± 0.05; for Tunka-133 [19] (51% iron) it is k = 0.96 ± 0.06. The confidence levels of exclusion of k > 1 are 95% and 67%, respectively.…”

“…We tested its stability when relaxing this assumption. Assuming the p/Fe mixture reproducing the ln A results of KASCADE-Grande [18] (Fig. 7 of Ref.…”

“…All statistical uncertainties (related to air-shower fluctuations and fluctuations in the detector response, as well as uncertainties in the reconstruction [18]; red dotted line: the Tunka-133 composition [19]. The horizontal line represents 68% CL.…”