Edward H. Thorndike

Characteristics of electromagnetic shower sampling counters

Abstract We report an experimental investigation of the properties of electro magnetic shower detectors composed of alternate layers of plastic scintillator and radiator. The various contributions to the pulse-height resolution are characterized, particularly in their dependence upon beam energy, sampling thickness, type of radiator employed, and total counter depth.

Decays of the b quark

Abstract Recent experimental results on the decay of b-flavored hadrons are reviewed. Substantial progress has been made in the study of exclusive and inclusive B-meson decays, as well as in the theoretical understanding of these processes. The two most prominent developments are the continuing failure to observe evidence of decays of the b quark to a u quark rather than a c quark, and the surprisingly high level of B0− B 0 mi xing which has recently been reported by the ARGUS collaboration. Notwithstanding these results, we conclude that the health of the Standard Model is excellent.

Resonant Depolarization of a Beam of Polarized Protons During Acceleration in a Synchrocyclotron

The loss of initial polarization of a proton beam during acceleration in a synchrocyclotron is investigated. It is shown that, due to resonance effects, substantial depolarization occurs unless the field inhomogeneities are kept well below 0.01%.

Near‐term prospects for information on b decay

The weak decay of the b quark is one of the more hopeful ways of learning about the relations among the three families. Most of the experimental information on B decay in the next few years will come from the large magnetic detector CLEO at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring. Before I give you my estimate of what we will (and will not) learn, let me remind you of what we already know. As Tony Loomis told you yesterday, the b quark decays (it could have been stable). The results are consistent with the standard model. Some specific other models can be ruled out, but at present a wide range of non‐standard models are allowed.