Z. Krumshtein

Testing a prototype of the charge-measuring system for the NUCLEON setup

While preparing for the NUCLEON experiment, a prototype of the experimental setup was tested on a beam of high-energy ions. The response of the charge-measuring system was investigated. The test experiment was simulated. The simulated charge distributions were compared to the experimental data.

Testing the prototype of the NUCLEON setup on the pion beam of the SPS accelerator (CERN)

A technique for determining the energy of primary cosmic rays in the range of 1012–1015 eV has been developed. The idea behind this technique consists in measuring the spatial flux density of secondary particles produced in the first act of inelastic nuclear interaction inside a target and passed through a thin converter layer in which the electromagnetic component (photons from decays of neutral pions) is multiplied. This technique has been developed by generalizing the well-known Castagnoli method (for measuring the angular characteristics of tracks of secondary particles produced in the first act of inelastic nuclear interaction inside a target), and its application offers a chance to design instruments for scientific studies such that their mass is relatively low while their luminosity is high. It is proposed to use this technique in a satellite-based NUCLEON experiment. The technique has been tested on charged particle beams of the SPS accelerator at CERN. Results of these tests confirm that, using this method, it is possible to measure the particle energy and, therefore, perform an orbital scientific experiment with the proposed equipment.

The NUCLEON experiment: The current status

The main purpose of the NUCLEON experiment is direct measurements of the energy spectra of cosmic rays in the range 1011–1015 eV with the use of the lightweight facility during a prolonged orbital flight. The energy is determined using a technique based on the measurement of the spatial density of secondary particles produced in the initial event of inelastic interaction. The schematic diagram of the NUCLEON facility, the current status of the project, the results of testing the prototype, and plans are presented.

The design of a module of a new electromagnetic calorimeter for COMPASS II

A new-generation high-granularity Shashlyk EM calorimeter read out by micropixel avalanche photodiodes with thermostabilization based on the Peltier element is designed and constructed.