Polarization of Cosmic-RayμMesons: Theory

Abstract

The expected polarization of cosmic-ray $\mu$ mesons is calculated on the basis of the two-component theory of the neutrino. The polarization is found to reveal the energy spectrum of $\pi$ mesons which decay into $\mu$-mesons at high altitudes, provided that the depolarization on penetration through the atmosphere is known. The depolarization caused by the Coulomb scattering is estimated to be several percent and practically independent of the energy of $\mu$ mesons at production. The depolarization in the absorber is found to be negligible.