Antennas, filters and preamplifiers designed for the radio detection of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays

The Earth´s atmosphere is constantly hit by charged particles-commonly known as cosmic rays. Those of the highest energies are still a mystery to astroparticle physicists. A relatively new technique for detecting cosmic rays is based on the measurement of radio pulses which are produced by secondary shower particles. We introduce the underlying physical effect and present suitable broadband antennas, filters and low noise amplifiers to be the well-understood sensitive element of an appropriate large scale ultra-high-energy cosmic ray detector. The considered bandwidth is 30 to 80 MHz. They are especially designed for AERA-the Auger Engineering Radio Array. It is currently being assembled and will be part of the Pierre Auger Observatory-the world´s largest detector for ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. AERA will cover ~20 km² with 137 antenna stations. The start of data recording is planned for 2010.