The Absorption of the Hard Component of Cosmic Rays in Water

Abstract

The differential and integral range spectra of the hard component of cosmic rays in water have been measured down to a depth of 18·3 m. of water, and the integral results confirm the work of Ehmert (1937) and Wilson (1938) in this region. A lack of statistical accuracy in the differential measurements prevents the possible observation of an anomaly corresponding to 2·5 BeV./c. momentum. A comparison of the range and momentum spectra on the basis of the energy loss data of Halpern and Hall shows satisfactory agreement. The absolute value of the differential intensity is found to be 20 per cent. higher than that given by Rossi (1948) but agrees with the more recent result of York (1952).