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Setting Limits on Supersymmetry Using Simplified Models
Published on: November 15, 2013
Muon production in extended air shower simulations
Physical Review Letters
|November 13, 2008
Summary
New simulations using the EPOS hadronic interaction model better explain cosmic ray data, particularly the number of muons detected. This improvement stems from a more accurate description of (anti) baryon production in particle interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cosmic ray physics
- Astrophysical particle interactions
Background:
- Air shower simulations are crucial for interpreting cosmic ray data.
- A persistent challenge is reconciling the longitudinal development of air showers with measured ground-level muon counts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the discrepancy in air shower simulations.
- To investigate the impact of a new hadronic interaction model on simulation fidelity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized air shower simulations incorporating the EPOS hadronic interaction model.
- Compared simulation results with experimental data from the HiRes-MIA experiment.
Main Results:
- Simulations with the EPOS model produced a significantly higher number of muons.
- This result aligns with observations from the HiRes-MIA experiment.
- The enhanced muon yield is primarily attributed to improved modeling of (anti) baryon production.
Conclusions:
- The EPOS hadronic interaction model offers a more accurate representation of air shower phenomena, particularly muon production.
- (Anti) baryon production in hadronic interactions is a critical, previously underestimated factor in air shower physics.
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