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The Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Journal Article · · Nucl.Instrum.Meth.A
The Pierre Auger Observatory is a hybrid detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It combines a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level together with a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The fluorescence detector comprises 24 large telescopes specialized for measuring the nitrogen fluorescence caused by charged particles of cosmic ray air showers. In this paper we describe the components of the fluorescence detector including its optical system, the design of the camera, the electronics, and the systems for relative and absolute calibration. We also discuss the operation and the monitoring of the detector. Finally, we evaluate the detector performance and precision of shower reconstructions.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP) (SC-25)
Contributing Organization:
Pierre Auger
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-07CH11359
OSTI ID:
1854805
Report Number(s):
FERMILAB-PUB-09-385-A-CD-PPD-TD; arXiv:0907.4282; oai:inspirehep.net:826754
Journal Information:
Nucl.Instrum.Meth.A, Journal Name: Nucl.Instrum.Meth.A Vol. 620
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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