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High-energy cosmic-ray electrons: A new measurement using transition-radiation detectors

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
A new detector for cosmic-ray electrons, consisting of a combination of a transition-radiation detector and a shower detector, has been constructed, calibrated at accelerator beams, and exposed in a balloon flight under 5 g/cm/sup 2/ of atmosphere. The design of this instrument and the method of data analysis are described. Preliminary results in the energy range 9--300 GeV are presented. The energy spectrum of electrons is found to be significantly steeper than that of protons, consistent with a long escape lifetime of cosmic rays in the galaxy.
Research Organization:
Enrico Fermi Institute and Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637
OSTI ID:
7304761
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 38:23; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English