On the measurement of the proton-air cross section using longitudinal shower profiles

Abstract

In this paper, we will discuss the prospects of deducing the proton-air cross section from fluorescence telescope measurements of extensive air showers. As it is not possible to observe the point of first interaction $X_1$ directly, other observables closely linked to $X_1$ must be inferred from the longitudinal profiles. This introduces a dependence on the models used to describe the shower development. The most straightforward candidate for a good correlation to $X_1$ is the depth of shower maximum $X_{\max }$. We will discuss the sensitivity of an $X_{\max }$-based analysis on $\ddot{I}{ƒ}_{\mathrm{p}-\mathrm{air}}$ and quantify the systematic uncertainties arising from the model dependence, parameters of the reconstruction method itself and a possible non-proton contamination of the selected shower sample.

4 pages, Proceedings for ISVHECRI Weihei 2006