Cosmic Ray Positrons Research Articles

Cosmic ray electrons and positrons

Intensity and spectra of cosmic ray electrons and positrons in determining mean confinement time, density and solar modulation

Nuclear Interactions of Cosmic Rays as the Source of the Synchrotron Radiating Particles of Our Galaxy.

Abstract : A detailed analysis is presented of the production of secondary electrons and positrons in our galactic disk by cosmic radiation. The calculations employ data from high-energy nuclear physics experiments. The object of this analysis is to determine how well these particles can explain the spectrum and intensity of the meter-wavelength radio noise from the halo and disk of our Galaxy. The calculated spectrum and intensity do not agree exactly with the measured values, but are very useful in trying to understand the existing situation with respect to highenergy particles in the Galaxy. Independent of the origin of the synchrotron-radiating particles, the complete diffusion of relativistic cosmic-ray electrons and positrons throughout the Galaxy is demonstrated, and information on the magnetic-field intensity in the disk and halo is obtained. Methods by which the secondary origin of the synchrotron radiating particles can be tested are examined, and in particular the positron-to-electron ratio in cosmic rays is predicted as a function of energy. (Author)

Status report on a luminescent chamber

A magnetically focused 4-stage image intensifier was built for luminescent chamber experiments. Sandwich films consisting of phosphor screen, glass film, and photocathode surface were used. The image diameter of the tube is 3 cm. The light amplification is about 10/sup 6/. A homogeneous axial magnetic field of 1500 gauss was used, so that the electron helix-diameter defines the resolution independent of the applied voltage. The light spots produced by single photoelectrons have about 0.1 mm diameter. Tracks of cosmicray particles and 400-Mev positrons in CsI(Tl) were photographed with 1:1 imaging of the tracks on to the intensifier tube by means of two coupled f/l lenses. (A.G.W.)