A method for detecting the possible existence of high energy deuterons in the primary cosmic radiation

Abstract

A method which can be used for detecting the presence of high energy deuterons in the primary cosmic radiation is described. The suggested method takes advantage of the fact that when only the neutron of the incoming deuteron takes part in a collision and gives rise to a star in a nuclear emulsion, the proton continues in the forward direction almost undeviated. Such stars referred to as (d, p) stars, can provide evidence that the incoming particle is a deuteron. In order to use this method it is necessary to know: (i) the interaction mean free path λ_d of high energy deuterons in nuclear emulsions; and (ii) the proportion f(d, p) of deuteron induced interactions in which only the neutron takes part. These have been determined to be λ_d=15.8 cm and f(d, p)=0.4. The suggested method is applicable if deuterons constitute ≥ 5% of the singly charged particles in the primary radiation.