The fluctuation problem in μ-meson bursts

Abstract

The effect of the fluctuation problem on the size-frequency distribution of large cosmic-ray bursts is investigated in some detail, assuming the if μ-meson to be an ordinary Dirac particle. This is achieved with the help of a general distribution function called the Polyá distribution, which reduces to the previously investigated Poisson and Furry cases at appropriate limits. It is found that the fluctuation of the number of shower particles has a considerable influence on the size of cosmic ray bursts, and this result partially obscures any conclusion that may be made on the spin of the μ-meson with the help of burst-production data.