The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic rays above 3×1017 eV with the pierre auger observatory

Abstract

The flux of cosmic rays above 3×1017 eV has been measured with unprecedented precision at the Pierre Auger Observatory based on data in the period between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2012. The unique combination of different nested detector arrangements has been used to record cosmic ray data spanning over an energy range of almost three decades. The hybrid nature of the instrument has been exploited to determine the energy in a data-driven mode with minimal Monte Carlo input. The spectral features are presented in detail and the impact of systematic uncertainties on these features is addressed.