Keywords
extensive air showers (EAS)
software-defined radio (SDR)
cosmic ray detection
log-periodic dipole array antenna (LPDA)
radio detection of cosmic rays
How to Cite
Abstract
This study presents the design and evaluation of a detection system for the electromagnetic component of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) generated by ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). The proposed approach employs log-periodic antennas and a software-defined radio (SDR) system for signal acquisition and analysis in the 20-80 MHz frequency range. Simulations were performed using ANSYS, and experimental tests with a vector network analyzer, yielding reflection coefficients below -10 dB. Data acquisition was performed via an SDR-based system, incorporating an automatic triggering mechanism and digital filtering. Data were collected over 47 days with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz. The results indicate the detection of signals in the 40-60 MHz range, showing temporal variability and patterns that suggest the presence of cosmic-ray-induced events. However, cross-validation with particle detectors is required to confirm these findings. This work demonstrates the feasibility of radio-based cosmic shower detection and highlights the necessity of integrating such systems with particle detector arrays to enhance event discrimination.
References
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