Study of the cosmic ray primary spectrum at 1015 < E0 < 1016 eV with the EAS-TOP array

M. Aglietta, B. Alessandro, P. Antonioli, F. Arneodo, L. Bergamasco, M. Bertaina, C. Castagnoli, A. Castellina, A. Chiavassa, G. Cini Castagnoli, B. D'Ettorre Piazzoli, G. Di Sciascio, W. Fulgione, P. Galeotti, P. L. Ghia, M. Iacovacci, A. Lima De Godoi, G. Mannocchi, C. Morello, G. NavarraO. Saavedra, G. C. Trinchero, S. Valchierotti, P. Vallania, S. Vernetto, C. Vigorito

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The break observed in the electron shower size power law spectrum of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) at corresponding primary energy Eo ∼ (3 - 5) 1015 eV ("knee") is studied in different EAS components (electromagnetic and muonic) and at different atmospheric depths. A consistent description is obtained. The interpretation of data in terms of primary composition, and following the most accepted high energy interaction models, leads to an increasing average primary mass in this energy range. The study of such behaviour is expected to provide a crucial information for the understanding of the physical parameters that characterize the break for the different primaries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)318-323
Number of pages6
JournalNuclear Physics B - Proceedings Supplements
Volume85
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Study of the cosmic ray primary spectrum at 1015 < E0 < 1016 eV with the EAS-TOP array'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this