Sensitivity of Cross-Correlation Studies by Using <i>X</i>_max Information

Abstract

The investigation about cosmic-ray sources through the study of the arrival direction of the particles is completely dependent on primary mass compositions. This is due to heavier particles having an average larger deflection during propagation in galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields. Recent result from the Auger Collaboration made it possible to obtain information on the chemical composition of the cosmic rays on an event-by-event basis in addition to data from the surface detector. Here, we have investigated the gain in detection efficiency of standard cross-correlation using the Landy–Szalay estimator. Our sample contained only events with the highest Xmax values (corresponding to the lightest charged particles, for which the deflections in magnetic fields are smaller on average). We obtained results showing that that gain depends on the proton fraction ranging from a factor of ∼2 to ∼4.

Keywords

• cosmic rays
• starburst galaxies