The study presented in this thesis was motivated by the large uncertainty on the concentration of atmospheric electrical discharges to the global nitrogen budget. This uncertainty is partly due to the fact that information concerning the NOx production efficiency of electrical discharges having current signatures similar to those of lightning flashes is not available in the literature. Another reason for this uncertainty is the fact that energy is used as a figure of merit in evaluating NOx production from lightning flashes even though insufficient knowledge is available concerning the energy dissipation in lightning flashes. The third reason for this uncertainty is the lack of knowledge concerning the contribution of discharge processes other than return strokes to the NOx production in the atmosphere. Lightning is not the only process in the atmosphere that causes ionisation and dissociation of atmospheric air. Cosmic rays continuously bombard the Earth with high energetic particles and radiation causing ionization and dissociation of air leading to the production of NOx in the atmosphere. The work carried out in this thesis is an attempt to improve the current knowledge on the way in which these processes contribute to the global NOx production. Experiments have been conducted in this thesis to estimate the NOx production efficiency of streamer discharges, laser-induced plasma, laboratory sparks having current signatures similar to those of lightning flashes, alpha particle impact in air and finally with the lightning flash itself. The results obtained from laboratory electrical discharges show the following: (a) The NOx production efficiency, in terms of energy, of positive streamer discharges is more or less similar to those of hot discharges. (b) The NOx production efficiency of an electrical discharge depends not only on the energy but also on the peak and the shape of the current waveform. (c) The current signature is a better figure of merit in evaluating the NOx yield of electrical discharges. As a part of this thesis work a direct measurement of NOx generated by lightning flashes was conducted and the results show that slow discharge processes such as continuing currents could be the main source of NOx in lightning flashes. Concerning NOx production by other ionisation processes such as alpha particle impacts in the atmosphere, the data gathered in this thesis show that each ionising event in air leads to the creation of one NOx molecule. In terms of energy the NOx production efficiency of alpha particles is similar to that of electrical discharges. The theoretical studies conducted within this thesis indicate that M-components contribute more than the return strokes to the NOx production. The calculations also show that the contribution to the global NOx budget by return stroke is not as high as that assumed in the current literature.

Soil water content (SWC) measurements are crucial worldwide for hydrological predictions, agricultural activities, and monitoring the progress of reclamation on disturbed land from industrial activities. In colder climates, snow water equivalent (SWE) measurements are equally important, and directly contribute to improved spring water supply forecasting. Both these variables, SWC and SWE, are commonly measured with either point-scale (e.g. soil cores for SWC and snow tubes for SWE) or large-scale (remote sensing) methods. The cosmic-ray soil moisture probe (CRP) was recently developed to fill this gap between small- and large-scale measurements. The CRP provides an average SWC reading in a landscape-scale measurement footprint (300 m radius) by taking advantage of the relationship between aboveground neutrons and soil water. Although the CRP has proved accurate in relatively homogenous sites, it has not been validated at highly heterogeneous sites. Since snow is simply frozen water, the CRP also has the potential for monitoring SWE at the landscape-scale. However, no calibration has been developed for measuring SWE with the CRP. This thesis aimed to further validate the use of a CRP for measuring SWC at a highly heterogeneous site, and calibrate a CRP for monitoring landscape-scale SWE at an agriculture field. The heterogeneous site used to validate the CRP for SWC measurement was an oil sand reclamation site made up of multiple test plots of varying soil layer treatments. Despite the clear differences in soil texture at the site, the CRP-monitored SWC compared accurately to sampled soil water content and a network of soil moisture probes. With the use of modeling, it was also possible to downscale the CRP measurement to the plot scale. For calibrating the CRP for monitoring SWE, an empirical calibration function was developed based on the relationship between the CRP-measured neutrons and SWE from snow surveys with snow tubes. Using the calibration equation, CRP-estimated SWE closely matched SWE measured from snow surveys. Differences were attributed to mid winter and spring melting of the snowpack along with varying soil water content in the top of the soil profile. This research demonstrates the usefulness of the CRP for monitoring SWC at unique sites and its ability to monitor SWE at the landscape-scale.

The existence of a Fisk-type heliospheric magnetic field (HMF) is one of the most debated questions in cosmic-ray modulation. Recently, Burger and Hitge [2004] developed a divergence-free Fisk-Parker hybrid magnetic field model to demonstrate the behaviour of cosmic rays in the heliosphere due to such a field. This approach has been refined and the properties of the consequent field are investigated. It is found that randomly directed magnetic field diffusion in and above the photosphere significantly influences the solar magnetic field both at the solar poles and near the polar coronal hole boundary. The solar cycle dependence of this field is investigated, a study which is of particular importance for studies of the long-term behaviour of cosmic rays, such as those undertaken at the SANAE base in Antarctica. The amplitudes of the 26-day recurrent cosmic-ray variations are modelled as function of both latitudinal gradient and heliolatitude and are found to agree qualitatively and in some cases quantitatively with the observational results reported by Zhang 119971 and Paizis et al. 119991. Although magnetic field data do not clearly indicate the existence of the Fisk field [see, e.g., Fursyth et al., 20021, this study supports the existence of a Fisk-type HMF. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Physics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The identification of the relic particles which presumably constitute cold dark matter is a key challenge for astroparticle physics. Indirect methods for their detection using high energy astro- physical probes such as cosmic rays have been much discussed. In particular, recent ‘excesses’ in cosmic ray electron and positron fluxes, as well as in microwave sky maps, have been claimed to be due to the annihilation or decay of dark matter. In this thesis, we argue however that these signals are plagued by irreducible astrophysical backgrounds and show how plausible con- ventional physics can mimic the alleged dark matter signals. In chapter 1, we review evidence of, and possible particle candidates for, cold dark matter, as well as our current understanding of galactic cosmic rays and the state-of-the-art in indirect detection. All other chapters contain original work, mainly based on the author’s journal publications. In particular, in chapter 2, we consider the possibility that the rise in the positron fraction observed by the PAMELA satellite is due to the production through (hadronic) cosmic ray spallation and subsequent acceleration of positrons, in the same sources as the primary cosmic rays. We present a new (unpublished) analytical estimate of the range of possible fluctuations in the high energy electron flux due to the discreteness of plausible cosmic ray sources such as supernova remnants. Fitting our result for the total electron-positron flux measured by the Fermi satellite allows us to fix the only free parameter of the model and make an independent prediction for the positron fraction. Our explanation relies on a large number of supernova remnants nearby which are accelerating hadronic cosmic rays. Turning the argument around, we find encouraging prospects for the observation of neutrinos from such sources in km^3-scale detectors such as IceCube. Chapter 3 presents a test of this model by considering similar effects expected for nuclear secondary-to-primary ratios such as B/C. A rise predicted above O(100)GeV/n would be an unique confirmation of our explanation for a rising positron fraction and rule out the dark matter explanation. In chapter 4, we review the assumptions made in the extraction of the `WMAP haze' which has also been claimed to be due to electrons and positrons from dark matter annihilation in the Galactic centre region. We argue that the energy-dependence of their diffusion means that the extraction of the haze through fitting to templates of low frequency diffuse galactic radio emission is unreliable. The systematic effects introduced by this can, under specific circumstances, reproduce the residual, suggesting that the ‘haze’ may be just an artefact of the template subtraction. We present a summary and thoughts about further work in the epilogue.

Multi-wavelength observations of mature supernova remnants (SNRs), especially with recent advances in gamma-ray astronomy, make it possible to constrain energy distribution of energetic particles within these remnants. In consideration of the SNR origin of Galactic cosmic rays and physics related to particle acceleration and radiative processes, we use a simple one-zone model to fit the nonthermal emission spectra of three shell-type SNRs located within 2 degrees on the sky: RX J1713.7-3946, CTB 37B, and CTB 37A. Although radio images of these three sources all show a shell (or half-shell) structure, their radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray spectra are quite different, offering an ideal case to explore evolution of energetic particle distribution in SNRs. Our spectral fitting shows that (1) the particle distribution becomes harder with aging of these SNRs, implying a continuous acceleration process, and the particle distributions of CTB 37A and CTB 37B in the GeV range are harder than the hardest distribution that can be produced at a shock via the linear diffusive shock particle acceleration process, so spatial transport may play a role; (2) the energy loss timescale of electrons at the high-energy cutoff due to synchrotron radiation appears to be always a bit (within a factor of a few) shorter than the age of the corresponding remnant, which also requires continuous particle acceleration; (3) double power-law distributions are needed to fit the spectra of CTB 37B and CTB 37A, which may be attributed to shock interaction with molecular clouds.

The study of Supernova Remnants (SNRs) is fundamental to understanding the chemical enrichment and magnetism in galaxies, including our own Milky Way. In an effort to understand the connection between the morphology of SNRs and the Galactic Magnetic Field (GMF), we have examined the radio images of all known SNRs in our Galaxy and compiled a large sample that have an axisymmetric morphology, which we define to mean SNRs with a bilateral or barrel-shaped morphology, in addition to one-sided shells. We selected the cleanest examples and model each of these at their appropriate Galactic position using two GMF models, one of which includes a vertical halo component, and another that is oriented entirely parallel to the plane. Since the magnitude and relative orientation of the magnetic field changes with distance from the Sun, we analyze a range of distances, from 0.5 to 10 kpc in each case. Using a physically motivated model of an SNR expanding into an ambient GMF that includes a vertical halo component, we find it is possible to reproduce observed morphologies of many SNRs in our sample. These results strongly support the presence of an off-plane, vertical component to the GMF, and the importance of the Galactic field on SNR morphology. Our approach also provides a potentially new method for determining distances to SNRs, or conversely, distances to features in the large-scale GMF if SNR distances are known. The mechanism for acceleration of cosmic rays in SNRs is another outstanding question in the field. To investigate this, the same sample of axisymmetric SNRs was again modelled, but this time using two competing, and physically motivated, Cosmic Ray Electron (CRE) acceleration cases: quasi-perpendicular and quasi-parallel. We find that the quasi-perpendicular CRE acceleration case is much more consistent with the data than the quasi-parallel CRE acceleration case, with G327.6+14.6 (SN1006) being a notable exception. We propose that SN1006 may be an example of a case where both quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular acceleration is simultaneously at play in a single SNR. / October 2016

Nesta tese investigamos uma possível componente de partículas previstas por modelos além do modelo padrão da física de partículas, como por exemplo o massive gluino LSP, nos raios cósmicos de altíssimas energias (UHECR). Nosso objetivo é determinar os sinais experimentais em telescópios de fluorescência devidos a hádrons exóticos massivos e neutros, genericamente denominados de UHECRons. Para simular chuveiros iniciados por essa classe de partículas, alteramos o pacote Aires de simulação de chuveiros atmosféricos e o modelo hadrônico Sibyll. Estes chuveiros foram utilizados como entrada em simulações de telescópios de fluorescência por nós desenvolvidas, obtendo-se assim as distribuições dos observáveis desses chuveiros exóticos. A partir da comparação entre as características de chuveiros iniciados uhecrons e prótons, desenvolvemos métodos para a separação de sinais entre esses dois tipos de partículas. Esses métodos podem ser utilizados em uma análise inicial, com o intuito de procurar por sinais de partículas exóticas nos dados reais de observatórios de UHECR. / In this thesis we investigate a possible component of particles predicted by models beyond the standard model of particle physics, like the massive gluino LSP, in the ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR). Our objective is to determine the experimental signals on fluorescence telescopes due to exotic massive and neutral hadrons, generically called UHECRons. To simulate showers initiated by this class of particle, we altered the shower simulation package Aires and the hadronic model Sibyll. These showers were used as input in our simulations of fluorescence telescopes, thus obtaining the distribuitons of the observables for these exotic showers. By comparing the characteristics of showers initiated by uhecrons and protons, we developed methods to distinguish the signals between these two particles. These methods can be used in an initial analysis in order to look for signals of exotic particles in the real data of UHECR observatories.

[pt] O Observatório Pierre Auger é um detector de raios cósmicos ultra-energéticos (E maior ou igual 1018 eV) com características híbridas, que combinam detectores de superfície e de fluorescência. A determinação da composição química primária destes raios cósmicos é um dos seus principais objetivos. Há indícios de que os primários dos raios cósmicos com E maior que 1018.5 eV tem massa maior, conclusão baseada nos resultados recentes sobre a evolução dos chuveiros atmosféricos extensos (cascatas de partículas formadas quando da colisão do raio cósmico primário no topo da atmosfera com moléculas de N2 ou O2). Encontrar parâmetros, que caracterizam o chuveiro, no processo de sua reconstrução e que forneçam informações associadas a este resultado, são essenciais para validar esta conclusão. Nesta tese estuda-se a evolução como função da energia, de parâmetros que caracterizam os chuveiros, que sejam sensíveis à sua composição primária. Mais especificamente aqueles determinados pelo detector de superfície, pois há uma estatística de chuveiros detectados significativamente maior. Damos especial atenção às flutuações intrínsecas – chuveiro-a-chuveiro – do parâmetro de inclinação (beta) da Função de Distribuição Lateral, que descreve a variação da densidade de partículas ao longo da direção perpendicular ao eixo do chuveiro, como função da distância a esse eixo. Os resultados indicam que a flutuação intrínseca em beta, para eventos inclinados (45-60 graus) com E maior que 1018.5 eV, possui uma tendência de diminuição com a energia até valores em torno de 1019.8 eV. Este resultado é consistente com o encontrado anteriormente em análises de composição química sobre a evolução com a energia da profundidade de máximo (Xmax) dos chuveiros atmosféricos extensosmedida pelos detectores do Auger em modo híbrido, em que em energias acima de 1018.5 eV, observase que os chuveiros tendem a atingir seu máximo numa região mais bem definida da atmosfera, levando, por conseguinte, a flutuações menores no sinal no solo. / [en] The Pierre Auger Observatory is an ultra high energy cosmic ray detector (E more than or equal as 1018 eV) which has hybrid characteristics combining surface and fluorescence detectors. Determining the cosmic rays chemical composition is one of its most important challenges. There are evidences that cosmic ray primaries with energy above 1018.5 eV are heavy and this conclusion is based on recent results on the evolution of extensive air showers (cascades of particles formed by the collision of primary cosmic rays in the top of the atmosphere with nitrogen and oxygen molecules). Therefore, it is mandatory to find additional parameters supporting that conclusion. In this thesis, the evolution with energy of parameters characterizing the shower and with sensitivity to chemical composition are studied. More specifically, parameters determined by the surface detector are analyzed due to the high statistics in this operation mode. Special attention is given to the instrinsic - shower to shower - fluctuations of the slope parameter (beta) of the Lateral Distribution Function which describes the particles density variation in the plane perpendicular to the shower axis as a function of distance to that axis. The results show that the intrinsic fluctuation of Beta, for inclined showers (45-60 degrees) with energy above 1018.5 eV, where the detector resolution is small compared to the total fluctuation, has a trend to decrease with energy up to 1019.6 eV. This result is consistent with recent results on the energy evolution of the depth of shower maxima (Xmax) of extensive air showers, where above 1018.5 eV, the distributions of Xmax show less fluctuations, leading, in turn, to less fluctuations on the ground level.

As pesquisas em Raios Cósmicos de Ultra Alta Energia conectam várias áreas da ciência, desde a física de particulas elementares até a estrutura do universo. Compreender a sua composição pode elucidar muitos enigmas interdisciplinares. O foco de nosso trabalho será a elaboração de métodos para distinguir a composição dos raios cósmicos com energia E > 5 1019 eV usando dois parâmetros, o Xmax e a densidade de muons. Em particular, temos como objetivo discriminar chuveiros iniciados por fotons daqueles por núcleos ou nucleons. Iremos basear nosso método em simulações de chuveiros atmosféricos extensos que geraremos através do código AIRES. Iremos analisar as principais caractersticas dos chuveiros iniciados por nucleos, nucleons e fotons procurando por sinais que possibilitem a discriminação com alta estatstica. / The subject of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays connects scientic elds, from elementary particle physics to the structure of the universe. Understanding the composition of UHECR can elucidate many interdisciplinary enigmas. Our work is focused on the elaboration of methods to distinguish the composition of cosmic rays at energies 51019 eV using two parameters, Xmax and muon density. In particular, we want to discriminate extensive air showers initiated by photons from those initiated by nucleus and nucleons. We base our work on simulations of extensive air showers using the AIRES package. We analyze proton, nucleus and gamma showers looking for signals to discriminate them using large statistics.

This work aims to contribute to the study of the origins of cosmic rays, and broadly, to the advancement of both data analysis methods and instrumentation for very-high-energy γ-ray astronomy. First, reviewing the state of γ-ray astronomy, we show how gains in sensitivity can be achieved through sophisticated data analyses and improved instrumental designs. We then develop such an improved analysis method for the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) by combining Image Template Method (ITM) with Boosted Decision Trees (BDT), and study its performance, attaining a 30-50% improvement in integral sensitivity over the instrument’s standard analysis. Systematic issues in spectral reconstruction that the analysis displays are resolved satisfactorily by imposing a more stringent condition on the selection of its energy threshold. We employ the newly developed analysis to measure the γ-ray energy spectrum of the starburst galaxy M82, and combining our result with a measurement from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), we find that a single power law fits the spectrum well between 100 GeV and 10 TeV, with no evidence for a spectral break or a cutoff. We conclude that this is in line with the current understanding that M82 is not a good proton calorimeter. Finally, we detail the design, implementation, and performance of the optical alignment system of the prototypeSchwarzschild-Couder Telescope (pSCT) for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a novel two-mirror design that addresses many shortcomings of current instruments.