Speaker
Description
The JEM-EUSO (Joint Exploratory Missions for Extreme Universe Space Observatory) collaboration is an international initiative studying ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and related phenomena. These particles, with energies exceeding 10$^{20}$ eV, provide insights into extreme astrophysical processes but remain challenging to detect due to their low flux.
At the heart of JEM-EUSO's technology is an ultra-fast, highly sensitive UV camera capable of detecting extensive air showers (EAS) in the atmosphere with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution.
In addition, a dedicated Cherenkov camera has been developed to evaluate the viability of the Earth-skimming technique from high altitudes. Fluorescence and Cherenkov detectors can be used together to create a hybrid detection surface, enhancing observational capabilities. This innovative approach enables detailed studies of fluorescence and Cherenkov light from cosmic ray and neutrino interactions. The JEM-EUSO technology will allow for observations from space to significantly increase the exposure to these rare phenomena.
The collaboration employs a multi-platform strategy—with ground-based experiments like EUSO-TA calibrating detection systems and validating models, and balloon-borne missions such as EUSO-Balloon and EUSO-SPB1/SPB2 demonstrating observations from the stratosphere and testing advanced technologies. Space-based missions, particularly Mini-EUSO on the ISS, have provided valuable data on UV backgrounds, transient luminous events, and meteoroids, as well as demonstrating the potential for future space-based detection. While we are developing a cross-platform methodology, we are ultimately moving towards space-based measurements. Future efforts include the POEMMA space mission, designed for stereoscopic observations of UHECRs and multi-messenger phenomena, and the PBR (POEMMA Balloon with Radio) experiment, which integrates radio detection and is scheduled to fly in 2027. Associated experiments also explore meteoroids, nuclearites, and strange quark matter, broadening the scientific scope.
This presentation will summarize the progress of the JEM-EUSO collaboration, highlighting achievements across all platforms and outlining future plans.
| Collaboration(s) | The JEM-EUSO Collaboration |
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