About this app

We have developed a radiation detection application for smartphones and tablets, that allows users to easily observe and monitor cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are radiation particles that originate from outer space and pass through our bodies at a rate of over 100 particles per second. This application enables users to observe these cosmic rays, which are invisible to the naked eye, in a simple and accessible way. The app was developed and made available through a joint research project with the HIBINO Laboratory in the Department of Applied Physics at Kanagawa University.


<>

>> What is "Rate" and "Threshold" on the display?

"Rate" indicates the frequency at which candidate cosmic ray events are detected. Since the frequency of cosmic rays observed on the ground is known, we rely on Rate to distinguish between noise and actual cosmic ray detections. We automatically adjust the Threshold to ensure that the Rate remains at a normal level.

Currently, we are facing challenges in responding effectively to short-term fluctuations in Rate. While Rate accuracy is achieved over a relatively long period, rapid fluctuations are not always captured. We plan to improve on this aspect.

The "Threshold" is the threshold separating noise from signals among brightness levels ranging from 0 to 255. If the Threshold is set to 30, for example, candidates with brightness levels from 0 to 30 are not counted as they are likely to be considered noise. A lower Threshold may detect more cosmic rays.

>> What is the "Manual" checkbox on the display?

When the "Manual" checkbox is selected, the device switches to manual operation mode, allowing you to manually adjust the noise level of the device. However, it is recommended to keep it in automatic operation mode under normal circumstances. Manual operation mode is useful when you want to measure in locations with different conditions, such as high-altitude areas, to measure changes while maintaining the threshold settings.

>> Is there a function to save the detected images ?

We are considering implementing a feature to save the detected images. Since this would consume a significant amount of device storage, we are exploring the option of saving them on a server instead, making them easier to locate.

>> Do I need to allow location access to use this App ?

Permission to access location information is not mandatory. Observations of cosmic rays can still be conducted without granting this permission. However, it would be appreciated if you could grant permission whenever possible. This is because one of the main objectives of this observation experiment is to observe air showers generated by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, and aiming to achieve a large observation area by networking many devices. Location information is stored as approximate latitude and longitude to avoid identifying individuals.

App Permissions

Allows applications to open network sockets.
Allows applications to access information about networks.
Allows an app to access precise location.
Required to be able to access the camera device.