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Ann. Geophys., 26, 249-257, 2008
www.ann-geophys.net/26/249/2008/
© European Geosciences Union 2008
Investigations of the response of hybrid particle detectors for the Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network (SEVAN)
A. Chilingarian and A. Reymers
Alikhanyan Physics Institute, Yerevan, Armenia, Alikhanyan Brothers 2, Yerevan 375036, Armenia
Abstract. A network of particle detectors located at middle to low latitudes known as SEVAN
(Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network) is being created in the
framework of the International Heliophysical Year (IHY-2007). It aims to
improve the fundamental research of the particle acceleration in the vicinity of the Sun
and space environment conditions. The new type of particle detectors will
simultaneously measure the changing fluxes of most species of secondary cosmic
rays, thus turning into a powerful integrated device used for exploration of
solar modulation effects. Ground-based detectors measure time series of
secondary particles born in cascades originating in the atmosphere by nuclear
interactions of protons and nuclei accelerated in the galaxy. During violent
solar explosions, sometimes additional secondary particles are added to this
"background" flux. The studies of the changing time series of secondary
particles shed light on the high-energy particle acceleration mechanisms.
The time series of intensities of high energy particles can also provide
highly cost-effective information on the key characteristics of
interplanetary disturbances. The recent results of the detection of the
solar extreme events (2003–2005) by the monitors of the Aragats
Space-Environmental Center (ASEC) illustrate the wide possibilities provided by
new particle detectors measuring neutron, electron and muon fluxes with
inherent correlations. We present the results of the simulation
studies revealing the characteristics of the SEVAN networks' basic measuring
module. We illustrate the possibilities of the hybrid particle detector to
measure neutral and charged fluxes of secondary CR, to estimate the efficiency and
purity of detection; corresponding median energies of the primary proton
flux, the ability to distinguish between neutron and proton initiated GLEs and
some other important properties of hybrid particle detectors.
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