ISSN:
1434-601X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The standard deviationσ of the instantaneous distribution of electrons in extensive air showers at sea level has been measured by coincidence of two spark counters, a cloud chamber providing data on arrival directions and particle densities. The values published up to now were in the range 2〈σ〈8 ns and the standard time deviationσ 0 due to instrumental fluctuations was about 4 ns. In this experiment with aσ 0=1,8 ns mean delaysσ have been obtained between 1 and 2 ns, the values decreasing with increasing particle density. This tendency may be due to the fact that the mean separations of the electrons, taken perpendicular to the shower front, are increasing with distance from the shower axis. The fractional contribution of showers within a given range of sizes, the axes of which came down within a given interval of distances from the counters has been calculated. It was concluded that 80% of the showers triggering the two counters were in the range from 105 to 107 particles. By means of these calculations, using the measured values for the mean delaysσ at different particle densities, a simple curve has been constructed which gives the mean separations of electrons vs distance from the shower axis up to 1000 m and is in good agreement with the experimental data ofLinsley andScarsi for great distances from the shower axis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01381254
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