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arXiv · 0902.0548

Universality of electron-positron distributions in extensive air showers

S. Lafebre·R. Engel·H. Falcke·J. Hörandel·T. Huege·J. Kuijpers·R. Ulrich
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Abstract

Using a large set of simulated extensive air showers, we investigate universality features of electron and positron distributions in very-high-energy cosmic-ray air showers. Most particle distributions depend only on the depth of the shower maximum and the number of particles in the cascade at this depth. We provide multi-dimensional parameterizations for the electron-positron distributions in terms of particle energy, vertical and horizontal momentum angle, lateral distance, and time distribution of the shower front. These parameterizations can be used to obtain realistic electron-positron distributions in extensive air showers for data analysis and simulations of Cherenkov radiation, fluorescence signal, and radio emission.

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S. Lafebre, R. Engel, H. Falcke, J. Hörandel, T. Huege, J. Kuijpers, R. Ulrich. 2009-02-03. Universality of electron-positron distributions in extensive air showers. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.astropartphys.2009.02.002

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