2017/02/16 by Theodore Avgitas, Avgitas, Theodore, G. Bourlis +14 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena #FOS: Physical sciences #Instrumentation and Detectors (physics.ins-det) #Neutrino Physics Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1702.04902
openalex publication_date 2017/02/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
High energy cosmic rays, with energies thousands of times higher than those encountered in particle accelerators, offer scientists the means of investigating the elementary properties of matter. In order to detect high energy cosmic rays, new detection hardware and experimental methods are being developed. In this work, we describe the network of HELYCON (HEllenic LYceum Cosmic Observatories Network) autonomous stations for the detection and directional reconstruction of Extended Atmospheric Showers (EAS) particle-fronts. HELYCON stations are hybrid stations consisting of three large plastic scintillators plus a CODALEMA antenna for the RF detection of EAS particle-fronts. We present the installation, operation and calibration of three HELYCON stations and the electronic components for the remote control, monitor and Data Acquisition. We report on the software package developed for the detailed simulation of the detectors' response and for the stations' operation. The simulation parameters have been fine tuned in order to accurately describe each individual detector's characteristics and the operation of each HELYCON station. Finally, the evaluation of the stations' performance in reconstructing the direction of the EAS particle-front is being presented.