Note on the separation of the electronic and non-electronic components of cosmic radiation

Summary

A formula for the depth of the penetration of a cascade as a function of the energy of the primary electron is given based on the calculations of Bhabha and Chakrabarty. A simple formula for the end of a shower is also given. It is shown that fluctuation plays an important part in determining the ability of an electron to operate two counters separated by a given thickness of absorber and increases the number of such electrons tenfold for thick absorbers. Formulæ are given for the number of electrons which enter an absorber of thicknesst and result in one or more particles emerging from the other side of the absorber.

A new experimental arrangement is described which makes a much more effective use of the cascade process for separating the electrons from the penetrating particles. This arrangement is suitable for measuring the penetrating component in high altitude balloon flights, and for studying the range spectrum of cosmic ray mesons.