Energy spectrum of primary cosmic rays at energies of 2 × 1013 to 5 × 1017 eV, according to Tien Shan data

Abstract

The primary cosmic ray energy spectrum at energies of 10¹⁵ to 5 × 10¹⁷ eV is presented using the results from observations by the Tien Shan HADRON array. The spectrum was obtained from the spectrum of showers according to the number of electrons using a new way of determining the parameter of spatial distribution function S of electrons. The energy spectrum can be extended to low energies up to 2 × 10¹³ eV using data from separate experiments at the former Tien Shan array. Conclusions are drawn regarding changes in the form of the spectrum and its chemical composition at energies over 10¹⁶ eV. The spectrum is compared to the results from the TUNKA installation.