THE MOMENTUM SPECTRUM OF COSMIC RAYS AT 3.4 KILOMETERS
Abstract
An experiment was conducted, by means of a cloud chamber in a magnetic field, to determine the momentum spectrum and to make some qualitative observations on the nucleonic component. No assumptions were made concerning the particles involved. The momentum spectrum of the nonelectronic ionizing component of cosmic radiation was obtained for the momenta of positive and negative particles between 100 Mev/c and 2.5 Bev/c. The radiation was filtered through 5 cm of lead. Results indicated that the ratio of particles of momentum greater than 2.5 Bev/c to those less than this value is equal to that found at sea level. For the range of momenta considered, the electron contribution extended to about 1 Bev/c. Enough protons were found at the lower momenta to account for the increase in the positive excess from sea level to 3.4 km. It was concluded that there are enough protons at slightly higher momenta to account completely for the positive excess. No evidence was obtained for the existence at 3.4 of a particle of 100 electron masses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0018442
Entities
People
- A. W. Wotring
- Catherine E. Miller
- D. S. Potter
- J. E. Henderson
- Jane Todd
Organizations
- University of Washington