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This study analyzes the effects of various electron-absorbing steel orientations on muon detection using cosmic ray detectors in the Project GRAND setup at Notre Dame. By modifying the positions and thicknesses of steel absorber plates located between detector planes, we observed changes in the average coincidence counts of detected muons. Results indicated that the presence of steel generally reduces counts when placed above detectors and in multiple layers. This research is crucial for improving muon detection accuracy in astrophysical studies.
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The Use of Cosmic Ray Detectors and the Effect of Various Electron-Absorbing Steel Orientations Ben Mullins, J. Chorny, A. Todd, and Dr. D. Karmgard ND QuarkNet, QuarkNet Center at Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46617
Brief Background Info Muons and electrons have the same charge • When trying to detect just muons, electrons provide inaccurately high count results.
Project GRAND at Notre Dame Gamma Ray Astrophysics at Notre Dame
GRAND • Project GRAND has array of 64 detectors • Use 8 levels, or planes, of detectors. Between planes 6 and 7, there is a 2 inch steel absorber plate • absorber is used to stop or slow electrons and help identify just muons http://www3.nd.edu/~grand/ . 15 July 2013.
RET Project • Vary positions of steel absorber plates relative to the detector planes • Vary thickness of the steel plates • How do these variances affect muon detection?
Materials and Methods • Six-layer stand
Materials and Methods (cont.) Three 0.75 in. absorber plates • Single layer on one level • Single layer on two of three levels • Single layer on all three levels • Double layer on one level • Triple layer above all counters
Results Control: No Steel Average Coincidence = 1491
Results Single Layer Steel on Every Level Average Coincidence = 1245
Results Double Layer Between Counter 3 and 4 Average Coincidence = 1446
Results Triple Layer Steel Above Counter 1 Average Coincidence = 1504
Discussion/Conclusion When steel is placed above a counter • scaler counts decrease When multiple levels of single layer steel is placed between the counters • coincidence counts decrease Steel thickness between only two counters had little effect on the scaler and coincidence counts