Measurement of radio emission from extensive air showers with LOPES

Abstract

A new method is explored to detect extensive air showers: the measurement of radio waves emitted during the propagation of the electromagnetic shower component in the magnetic field of the Earth. Recent results of the pioneering experiment LOPES are discussed. It registers radio signals in the frequency range between 40 and 80 MHz. The intensity of the measured radio emission is investigated as a function of different shower parameters, such as shower energy, angle of incidence, and distance to shower axis. In addition, new antenna types are developed in the framework of LOPE(star) and new methods are explored to realize a radio self-trigger algorithm in real time. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.