The Global Light System for the JEM-EUSO detector
Abstract
The origin of cosmic rays at the 100 EeV scale is unknown. The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EUSO) instrument, planned for the International Space Station, will record the optical signatures generated by the interaction of extreme energy cosmic rays in the earth’s atmosphere. To address the measurement challenge posed by the low flux of particles at these energies, a global light system (GLS) of calibrated UV light sources will be deployed around the globe to calibrate the instrument in space. The GLS network will consist of 12 ground stations. Each will have a Xe flasher and 6 will have steered pulsed UV lasers in addition to their flashers. During dark periods, the GLS stations will be activated as the ISS passes overhead to will generate flashes and tracks that will be recorded by JEM-EUSO. This network will be supplemented by an aircraft-based system flown monthly over the open ocean. The GLS will have many applications. For example, the intrinsic brightness of the GLS flashers and lasers can be set to match the equivalent intrinsic brightness of 100 EeV cosmic ray extensive air showers. To test detector triggering and angular resolution, the lasers will be pointed at astrophysical objects of interest that are potential sources of cosmic rays. A ground based prototype GLS station with a flasher and laser will be used to test the TUS detector on the Lomonosov satellite. A prototype of the aircraft based GLS system will be flown under the EUSO-Balloon pathfinder.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E3629W