Extreme universe space observatory on a super pressure balloon II fluorescence telescope on the ground and (briefly) in the air, The

The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 2 (EUSO-SPB2) launched from Wanaka New Zealand on May 13th 2023. Consisting of two novel optical telescopes, EUSO-SPB2 served as a precursor for an eventual space-based astroparticle observatory such as the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA). The Cherenkov Telescope, utilizing silicon photomultipliers with a fast digitization, designed to detect Earth-skimming neutrinos of astrophysical origin, aimed to measure background signatures for such observations as well as high energy cosmic rays above the limb. The fluorescence telescope (FT) utilizing multi-anode photomultiplier tubes capable of discriminating single photons, aimed to measure ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) induced extensive air showers (EAS) via nitrogen fluorescence by observing a large volume of atmosphere from above. In the years prior to launch, the design of the FT was informed by extensive end-to-end simulations of EAS and the detector response to them. Using these simulations, the expected observation rate of the FT was determined to be roughly one UHECR per night of observation. These simulations and pre-flight expectations were validated by a successful field campaign in the Fall of 2022 which included measurements of calibrated light sources as well as the night sky. After a successful launch, the balloon developed a leak and the mission was terminated after 37 hours of flight. While enough data was recorded to confirm the instrument worked as expected at float altitude, the goal of measuring the first UHECR from above remains incomplete. The experience gained preparing and flying EUSO-SPB2 will be useful in future experiments building towards POEMMA, with another SPB flight being planned for 2027.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor dc:publisher

Colorado School of Mines. Arthur Lakes Library

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Filippatos, George

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Sarazin, Frederic

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Leach, Kyle
• Wiencke, Lawrence
• Abbud-Madrid, Angel

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright of the original work is retained by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier

T 9689

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.mines.edu:11124/179123