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

¹ KIT – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, IKP, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
² Observatorio Pierre Auger,Av. San Martín Norte 304, 5613 Malargüe, Argentina

^a e-mail: haungs@kit.edu

Abstract

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.