Particle Physics Lab

Used for studying the properties of cosmic ray muons, a subatomic particle produced in the earth’s upper atmosphere but visible all the way down to sea level. The physical properties under study include muon lifetimes and muon capture on hydrogen and carbon nuclei. The Michel electron from muon decay is currently being investigated.

Equipment

• Fast rise-time photomultiplier tubes (~one nanosecond)
• High Voltage supplies (up to ±3,000 volts)
• Fast data acquisition equipment, including TDCs with resolution down to 50 picoseconds
• ADCs with sampling rates of 400 MHz