A new composition-sensitive parameter for Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays

Understand

A new family of parameters intended for composition studies in cosmic ray surface array detectors is proposed.

• The application of this technique to different array layout designs has been analyzed.
• The parameters make exclusive use of surface data combining the information from the total signal at each triggered detector and the array geometry.
• They are sensitive to the combined effects of the different muon and electromagnetic components on the lateral distribution function of proton and iron initiated showers at any given primary energy.