Phenomenology of transition radiation at radio frequencies from ultrahigh-energy showers

Abstract

We explore transition radiation at MHz-GHz frequencies as a possible way to detect ultrahigh-energy (UHE) particles. We have developed a general method to calculate transition radiation that extends the well-known Zas-Halzen-Stanev (ZHS) algorithm. We have applied it to the characterization of the frequency and angular properties of the electric field from high-energy showers crossing the boundary between two media. We discuss the potential of transition radiation for the detection of UHE particles in different situations of experimental interest.