Parametrization of the angular distribution of Cherenkov light in air showers

Author(s)

Arbeletche, Luan B. ^[1] ; de Souza, Vitor ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis Sao Carlos, Ave Trabalhador Sao Carlense 400, Sao Carlos - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL C; v. 81, n. 2 FEB 27 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The Cherenkov light produced in air showers largely contributes to the signal observed in ground-based gamma-ray and cosmic-ray observatories. Yet, no description of this phenomenon is available covering both regions of small and large angles to the shower axis. To fill this gap, a parametrization of the angular distribution of Cherenkov photons is performed in terms of a physically-motivated parametric function. Model parameters are constrained using simulated gamma-ray and proton showers with energies in the TeV to EeV region. As a result, a new parametrization is obtained that improves the precision of previous works. Results presented here can be used in the reconstruction of showers with imaging Cherenkov telescopes as well as in the reconstruction of shower profiles with fluorescence detectors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/15897-1 - Cherenkov Telescope Array - CTA
• Grantee: Luiz Vitor de Souza Filho
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants