Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects

Updated 5 August 2025

Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects is a collaborative framework that unifies experimental, observational, and simulation approaches to study cosmic rays, ionospheric variability, and QCD matter.
The network employs diverse methodologies, including water Cherenkov detectors, GNSS-based VTEC mapping, and simulation tools like CORSIKA and Geant4 to quantify electromagnetic interactions.
Its initiatives enhance regional and global collaboration, facilitate cross-disciplinary training, and drive innovation in astroparticle physics, space weather, and strongly interacting matter research.

The Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects encompasses a coordinated set of regional efforts—consortia, experimental projects, and computational initiatives—dedicated to understanding electromagnetic phenomena in both astroparticle and strongly interacting matter contexts. The network’s main thematic thrusts are exemplified by the Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO), collaborative networks for space weather and ionospheric monitoring, and the Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects in Strongly Interacting Matter. These initiatives mobilize a broad array of experimental and theoretical tools to probe electromagnetic effects arising from cosmic ray interactions with the atmosphere, geomagnetic and ionospheric variability, and the role of intense electromagnetic fields in non-abelian plasmas. The resulting multi-institutional network is foundational for advancing both regional and global science in astroparticle physics, space weather, and QCD matter.

1. Organizational Mission and Scope

The Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects in Strongly Interacting Matter was established to catalyze collaborative research on the interaction between electromagnetic fields and QCD matter, with primary foci on the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), heavy-ion collisions, and related astrophysical and cosmological environments (Mizher et al., 1 Aug 2025). The network also extends to large-scale distributed projects, such as LAGO, that empirically paper the modulation of cosmic ray-induced secondary particles due to geomagnetic and atmospheric conditions (Collaboration et al., 2016, Sidelnik et al., 2017).

The network’s objectives include:

Unifying theoretical, phenomenological, and experimental efforts among Latin American researchers.
Providing infrastructure and platforms for experimental data collection (e.g., distributed detector arrays and space weather instrumentation).
Enhancing regional and international collaboration through regular seminars, conferences, and joint research initiatives.
Supporting cross-disciplinary exchange, particularly with emerging areas in condensed matter physics (e.g., pseudo-QED analogs in Dirac materials).

2. Experimental and Observational Infrastructure

The network leverages a heterogeneous but coherent set of detection platforms:

Facility/Network	Main Instrumentation/Technique	Scientific Focus
LAGO	Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs)	Cosmic rays, space weather, atmospheric radiation
LAVNet-Mex	VLF receivers, loop antennas, GPS	Ionospheric studies, D-region monitoring
SCiESMEX/LANCE	Radio telescopes, neutron monitors, GPS	Space weather, ionospheric/geomagnetic mapping
Regional GNSS VTEC Network	GNSS receivers, real-time data processing	Ionospheric total electron content (VTEC) maps
Cosmic Ray Observatories	Muon telescopes, neutron monitors	Secondary cosmic ray monitoring

LAGO’s array, spanning altitudes from sea level to >5000 m a.s.l. and wide latitude/longitude coverage, is optimized for differential studies of rigidity cutoff and atmospheric depth effects on secondary cosmic ray production (Sidelnik et al., 2017, Collaboration et al., 2016, Alberto et al., 2019). The LAVNet-Mex installation is specialized for precise phase and amplitude measurements of VLF signals to resolve rapid lower ionospheric variations during solar eclipses and flares (Vogrinčič et al., 2019). SCiESMEX and LANCE integrate these observations with radio, cosmic ray, and ionospheric probes for space weather assessments (Luz et al., 2018). VTEC networks deploy multi-GNSS data and advanced spherical harmonic expansions for continent-wide ionospheric mapping (Mendoza et al., 2019).

3. Methodologies and Theoretical Framework

Experimental analyses are grounded in both empirical and simulation-based strategies, often incorporating multi-step chains:

For cosmic ray air shower studies, simulations use backtracking and rigidity cutoff determination with MAGNETOCOSMICS (MAGCOS), atmospheric and shower propagation with CORSIKA, and detector response modeling in Geant4 (Durán et al., 2018, Rubio-Montero et al., 2022).
Statistical modeling of the penumbral region in rigidity space leverages cumulative probability functions and Monte Carlo Metropolis algorithms to generate time- and direction-dependent effective cutoffs, refining low-energy cosmic ray flux predictions:

$R_C = R_C(\mathrm{Lat}, \mathrm{Lon}, \mathrm{Alt}, \theta, t, P(R_m(\theta), t))$

For ionospheric studies, vertical total electron content (VTEC) is modeled as a spherical harmonic expansion in a sun-fixed frame, with hardware bias calibration via weighted least squares and data cleaning steps including Melbourne–Wübbena combinations. The W-index, a logarithmic deviation metric, quantifies departures from quiet-time VTEC:

$\mathrm{DEV(VTEC)} = \log\left(\frac{VTEC(t)}{VTEC_{med}}\right)$

In strongly interacting matter, the network prioritizes analyses of pressure anisotropy, meson mass modifications (distinguishing pole and screening masses), one-loop and two-loop perturbative corrections to couplings, and the impact of fluctuating and constant electromagnetic backgrounds on both lattice and effective model calculations (Mizher et al., 1 Aug 2025).

4. Key Scientific Contributions

Cosmic Ray and Space Weather Studies

Demonstration of strong latitude- and altitude-dependent modulation of secondary cosmic ray fluxes—including pronounced rigidity cutoff effects, especially at low-latitude sites like Bucaramanga (Colombia), with variabilities quantified during geomagnetic disturbances (Asorey et al., 2017, Durán et al., 2018).
Empirical validation and refinement of calibration protocols for WCDs using vertical muon charge histograms and pulse shape analysis, enabling electromagnetic/muonic/hadronic signal separation (Alberto et al., 2019, Rubio-Montero et al., 2022).
Real-time monitoring and modeling of Forbush decreases and cosmic ray flux modulations in response to space weather events, using multi-spectral analysis and cross-referencing with neutron monitor data (Collaboration et al., 2016, Sidelnik et al., 2017).

Ionospheric Electromagnetic Effects

High-precision VLF observations of the D-region ionosphere during solar eclipses, leading to quantitative models for real-time reflection height changes. For the August 21, 2017 eclipse, a maximum phase delay of $-63.36^\circ$ corresponded to an estimated reflection height increase of 9.3 km (Vogrinčič et al., 2019). Theoretical modeling integrates distance, phase shift, and waveguide modal conversion dynamics.
Construction and validation of near-real-time VTEC and W-index maps for Latin America, with accuracy (bias and RMS errors) better than 1 TECU, leveraging distributed GNSS data feeds and real-time processing frameworks (Mendoza et al., 2019).

Strongly Interacting Matter and QCD Phenomena

Detailed investigations of QGP pre-equilibrium under strong magnetic fields, documenting pressure anisotropy (parallel $P_{||}$ vs. perpendicular $P_\perp$ ) and magnetic-induced acceleration of thermalization (Mizher et al., 1 Aug 2025).
Computation of meson pole and screening masses under magnetic fields—explicitly noting Lorentz symmetry breaking and direction-dependent splitting, consistent with lattice QCD.
Analysis of electromagnetic corrections to couplings and form factors at one-loop and two-loop level; studies of anomalous magnetic moments and their effect on the QCD phase transition.
Introduction of stochastic magnetic fields in model calculations, yielding new results for “magnetic mass” generation in photon and gluon sectors, and unique spectral structures for fermions.

5. Data Science, Standardization, and Collaborative Frameworks

The network has implemented robust data management and simulation standards:

LAGO’s ARTI simulation chain links atmospheric models (GDAS), geomagnetic field models (MAGCOS), shower propagation (CORSIKA), and detector simulation (Geant4) in a reproducible, containerized workflow, facilitating large-scale parametric and sensitivity studies (Rubio-Montero et al., 2022).
Metadata and data structures comply with EOSC-Synergy and Open Science standards (e.g., JSON-LD, DCAT-AP2), enabling cross-disciplinary data discovery, interoperability, and compliance with FAIR principles.
Centralized and distributed data repositories support multi-site, multi-institutional analysis and validation, with persistent identifiers and discoverability through EGI DataHub and B2HANDLE (Rubio-Montero et al., 2022).

6. Collaborative and Educational Impact

Network activities include:

Monthly virtual seminars and periodic in-person workshops—such as the “First Latin American Workshop on Electromagnetic Effects in QCD” and the IX International Conference on Chirality, Vorticity and Magnetic Fields in Quantum Matter.
Graduate/undergraduate training in experimental astroparticle physics, data analysis, and simulations—evident in regional deployment projects (e.g., LAGO nodes in Chiapas, Mexico) (Mora et al., 2017).
Partnerships across Latin America (with 27 members from 20 institutions) and international collaborators (Kent State, Universitat de Barcelona, University of York, Illinois). This infrastructure is critical for dissemination, technology transfer, and capacity building.

7. Future Directions

Planned developments span:

Expansion of empirical coverage with new detectors at extreme altitudes (e.g., Tacana volcano, Antarctic locations) and additional GNSS stations in VTEC networks.
Refinement of simulation methodologies (e.g., extended Geant4/CORSIKA runs for annual statistics, incorporation of fluctuating fields in QCD simulations).
Integration of virtual observatory interfaces and advanced metadata harvesting to bolster data sharing, sustainability, and engagement with Open Science, especially within the context of EOSC-Synergy.
Deeper theoretical and computational investigation of open questions—such as dynamical generation of quark anomalous magnetic moments, anisotropic flow in heavy-ion collisions, dynamical screening masses under mixed electromagnetic environments, and cross-fertilization with analog condensed matter systems.

The Latin American Network on Electromagnetic Effects thus constitutes a multi-modal, interdisciplinary infrastructure at the intersection of astroparticle physics, space weather, and QCD matter. Its combination of geographically distributed experimental platforms, coordinated simulation/analysis protocols, and collaborative research ethos positions it as a critical driver for advancing regional and international research in electromagnetic phenomena.