REVIEW OF PRECISION MEASUREMENTS OF HIGH ENERGY ELECTRONS

Abstract

An accurate measurement of the intensity and energy spectra of Cosmic Ray electrons and positrons represents a major experimental challenge. Long exposure times and excellent particle identification capabilities are needed in order to cope with the low intensity of the electron and positron fluxes and the overwhelming background from protons and nuclei in cosmic rays. The motivations for such an experimental effort will be briefly discussed and the most recent results revieweved together with the perspectives of future experiments.