The muon energy spectrum as a test of the validity of special relativity at small distances

Abstract

The recent observation of Lundberg and Redei that a violation of the principles of special relativity at small distances would cause a change in the lifetime of pions and muons is submitted to a test against cosmic-ray data. It is shown that at sufficiently high energies the muon energy spectrum and the zenith angle distribution of muons will be affected by the assumed violation. Present experimental data permit us to establish an upper limit of 5·10−17 cm for the dimensions in which special relativity may not be valid.