Extensive cosmic showers detection: the importance of timing and the role of GPS in the EEE experiment

Extreme Energy Events (EEE) is an extended Cosmic Rays (CRs) Observatory, composed of about 60 tracking telescopes spread over more than 10 degrees in Latitude and Longitude. We present the metrological characterization of a representative set of actually installed EEE GPS receivers, their calibration and their comparison with respect to dual-frequency receivers for timing applications, as well as plans for a transportable measurement system to calibrate the currently deployed GPS receivers. Finally, the realization of an INRIM Laboratory dedicated to EEE, aimed at hosting reference telescopes and allowing timing studies for Particle Physics/Astrophysics experiments, is presented, as well as the possibility of synchronizing already deployed telescopes utilizing White Rabbit Technique, over optical fiber links, directly with the Universal Time Coordinated time scale, as realized by INRIM (UTC(IT)).

Automated summary

EEE is a Cosmic Rays Observatory with tracking telescopes, studying the metrological characteristics of GPS receivers and comparing them for timing applications, while also planning a measurement system. Additionally, the establishment of an INRIM Laboratory to support reference telescopes and timing studies is discussed, along with the possibility of synchronizing telescopes through White Rabbit Technique to UTC(IT).