Energy spectrum of primary cosmic rays - the only matter particles reaching
Earth from Cosmos - is so steep, that above primary energy 10^15 eV they can
be investigated only by means of a phenomenon called "extensive air showers" (EAS).
Cosmic ray particle, in most cases a nucleus of certain element, entering the
Earth atmosphere interacts with one of the air nuclei beginning development of
cascading process. As a result a 'shower' of many particles - a result of successive
interactions - arrives nearly at a speed of light to the ground level.
Such cascades of particles - EAS - are registered by means of distributed
arrays of particle detectors in the, so called, air shower experiments.
Soltan Institute has been active in the cosmic ray research since many years
paricipating in the KASCADE-Grande/LOPES experiment, located in the Research
Center in Karlsruhe, Germany (see KASCADE homepage and/or astro.ru.nl/lopes/).. This EAS experiment continuesly registers air showers since 1996.
The PhD dissertation will be based on the investigation of EAS parameters, also utilizing the new technique of measuring the radio signals from showers (LOPES experiment), with the aim to establish energy spectrum and primary mass composition. Preparation of the thesis will require several-month-long stays in Karlsruhe.
Further information:
Professor Janusz Zabierowski
e-mail
The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies
Department of Cosmic Ray Physics
5, Uniwersytecka str.
P.O.Box 447, 90-950 Lodz, POLAND
phone/fax:(+48)426786431; phone (+48)426783223 ext.51