Modeling and Validating RF-Only Interferometric Triggering with Cosmic Rays for BEACON

Discussion timeslot (ZOOM-Meeting): 13. July 2021 - 18:00
ZOOM-Meeting URL: https://desy.zoom.us/j/91896950007
ZOOM-Meeting ID: 91896950007
ZOOM-Meeting Passcode: ICRC2021
Corresponding Session: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/channel/08-Radio-Observations-of-Cosmic-Rays-CRI-NU/82
Live-Stream URL: https://icrc2021-venue.desy.de/livestream/Discussion-06/7

Abstract:
'The Beamforming Elevated Array for COsmic Neutrinos (BEACON) is a novel detector concept that utilizes a radio interferometer atop a mountain to search for the radio emission from extensive air showers created by Earth-skimming tau neutrinos. The prototype, located at the White Mountain Research Station in California, consists of 4 crossed-dipole antennas operating in the 30-80 MHz range and uses a directional interferometric trigger for reduced thresholds and background rejection. The prototype will first be used to detect down-going cosmic rays to validate the detector model. Here, we present the methodology and results of a Monte-Carlo simulation developed to predict the acceptance of the prototype to cosmic rays. In this simulation, cosmic ray induced air showers are generated in an area around the prototype array. It is then determined if a given shower triggers the array using radio emission simulations from ZHAireS and antenna modelling from XFdtd. The time-domain waveforms, event rates, and angular distributions predicted by this simulation can then be compared with experimental data to validate the detector model.'

Authors: Andrew Zeolla
Collaboration: BEACON

Indico-ID: 810
Proceeding URL: https://pos.sissa.it/395/1072