Nuclear interactions of super high energy cosmic-rays observed in mountain emulsion chambers

Abstract

Here we present a summary of joint discussions on the results of three mountain experiments with large-scale emulsion chambers, at Pamir, Mt. Fuji and Chacaltaya. Observations cover gamma quanta, hadrons and their clusters (called “families”). The following topics are covered, concerning the characteristics of nuclear interactions the energy region 10 14–10 16 eV: (i) rapid dissipation seen in atmospheric diffusion of high-energy cosmic-rays; (ii) multiplicity and P t increase in produced pi-mesons in the fragmentation region; (iii) existence of large- P t jets, (iv) extremely hadron-rich family of the Centauro type; (v) exotic phenomena in the extremely high energy region beyond 10 16 eV.