Observing cosmic-ray extensive air showers with a silicon imaging detector

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics and particle physics
• Cosmic ray physics

Background:

• High-energy cosmic rays create extensive air showers, offering insights into extreme universal phenomena.
• Observing these showers is crucial for understanding particle acceleration and propagation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel method for observing extensive air showers.
• To demonstrate the capability of silicon imaging detectors for detailed shower analysis.
• To explore the potential of this method for reconstructing primary cosmic ray properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) silicon imaging detector for shower observation.
• Measuring individual secondary particles within extensive air showers.
• Integrating HSC data with a surface detector array for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully observed extensive air showers using the Subaru HSC.
• Demonstrated the ability to measure individual secondary particles with high precision.
• Showcased the potential for reconstructing the incident direction of primary cosmic rays.

Conclusions:

• The Subaru HSC offers a powerful new tool for detailed extensive air shower studies.
• Combining silicon imaging detectors with surface arrays enhances the study of cosmic ray properties.
• This method opens avenues for interdisciplinary research in high-energy astrophysics.