On the Problem of the Existence of Mesotrons in Auger Showers

Abstract

A discussion is given of the different possibilities which would lead to the assumption of the presence of mesotrons in extensive atmospheric showers, or the so-called Auger showers. The difficulties involved in the problem of the experimental evidence for the existence of these mesotrons are shown to be, in general, considerable. Three kinds of experiments are described in which mesotrons associated simultaneously with other particles are found. These particles are present even at large distances (∼20 meters) from the observed mesotrons. However, they are much more infrequent than the particles which are found in the Auger showers, investigated under conditions similar to those of the present experiments. Qualitatively, the observed phenomena could be due, not to mesotrons associated with an Auger shower, but to single mesotrons accompanied by collision electrons which are projected by these mesotrons along their path in the air. There exists, however, a definite quantitative disagreement between the observed values and the theoretical values which are calculated for the considered collision processes. Therefore, at least part of the observed mesotrons could actually belong to an Auger shower. But, on the other hand, explanations are formulated which might, at least partly, account for the mentioned quantitative disagreement. Thus, only after these explanations are tested by experiment will it be possible to decide more definitely as to the presence of mesotrons in Auger showers.