AugerNext: innovative research studies for the next generation ground-based ultra-high energy cosmic ray experiment

• Main Author: Haungs Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2013-06-01
• Series: EPJ Web of Conferences
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/20135308019

The findings so far of the Pierre Auger Observatory and also of the Telescope Array define the requirements for a possible next generation experiment: it needs to be considerably increased in size, it needs a better sensitivity to composition, and it should cover the full sky. AugerNext aims to perform innovative research studies in order to prepare a proposal fulfilling these demands. Such R&D studies are primarily focused in the following areas i)consolidation of the detection of cosmic rays using MHz radio antennas; ii)proof-of-principle of cosmic-ray microwave detection; iii)test of the large-scale application of a new generation photo-sensors; iv)generalization of data communication techniques; v)development of new ways of muon detection with surface arrays. These AugerNext studies on new innovative detection methods for a next generation cosmic-ray experiment are performed at the Pierre Auger Observatory. The AugerNext consortium consists presently of fourteen partner institutions from nine European countries supported by a network of European funding agencies and it is a principal element of the ASPERA/ApPEC strategic roadmaps.