2001/04/17 by G. Schatz · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena #Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/s0927-6505(01)00130-x
published as Astropart.Phys. 17 (2002) 13-22 · 17 pages, 5 figs.; Astroparticle Physics, in press
arxiv created 2001/04/17 · openalex publication_date 2002/04/01 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
28 size spectra of extensive air showers from 7 different experiments are analysed consistently. They are fitted by adjusting either 4 or 5 parameters: knee position, power law exponents above and below the knee, overall intensity and, in addition, a parameter describing the smoothness of the bend. The residuals are then normalized to the same knee position and averaged. When 5 parameters are employed no systematic deviation from a single smooth knee is apparent at the 1% level up to a factor of 4 above the knee. At larger shower sizes a moderately significant deviation can be seen whose shape and position are compatible with a second knee caused by iron group nuclei.