GRAND Collaboration Advances in Cosmic Ray Detection

The Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection (GRAND) is a proposed observatory designed to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic particles, specifically those exceeding 100 PeV. The project utilizes large surface arrays of autonomous radio-detection units to capture radio emissions from extensive air showers, which occur when ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, gamma rays, and neutrinos interact with the atmosphere or underground. The final phase of GRAND aims to be sensitive enough to detect ultra-high-energy neutrinos, despite their low flux.

Currently, three prototype GRAND radio arrays are operational: GRANDProto300 in China, GRAND@Auger in Argentina, and GRAND@Nancay in France. These prototypes are intended to test the design of the radio-detection units, assess the radio background they encounter, and develop diagnostic tools for data collection and analysis.

The contributions presented at the 38th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC 2023) provide an overview of the GRAND project, including its current status and future plans. The data collected from the first phase of GRANDProto300, known as GRANDProto13, is also discussed, highlighting the project's progress in understanding cosmic phenomena.

The authors of this paper include Rafael Alves Batista and 97 other collaborators from the GRAND Collaboration. For further details, the paper can be accessed via arXiv:2308.00120.