Mars - the analysis of the mars data and the absolute rate of energy loss of muons in iron

Abstract

The method by which the data from the new Durham cosmic ray muon spectrograph, MAES, are analysed by the on-line computer is described in detail. Particular reference is made to a new computer technique which has been developed for the analysis of flash-tube data and an attempt has been made to reconcile experiment and theory. It is concluded that the technique correctly interprets the flash-tube data, especially with regard to extraneously discharged and inefficient tubes, and that its accuracy is sufficient to enable the cosmic ray muon momentum spectrum to be determined by MABS to beyond 5000 GeV/c. Details of a preliminary measurement of the vertical muon momentum spectrum and charge ratio for the momentum range of 10 - 500 GeV/c are given. Satisfactory agreement is found between these results and those of previous workers. An experiment is described by which a direct measurement of the absolute rate of energy loss of muons in iron for the momentum range 5-40 &eV/c has been made. Agreement is found with the predictions of Sternheimer and Peierls for ionisation loss (together with values for other losses) to within the experimental uncertainties. As such, this experiment is a measurement of the rate of energy loss in a momentum range not previously studied by a direct technique.