The energy spectra of atmospheric and neutrino-induced muons

Abstract

The interrelation of the primary energy spectrum and the energy spectra of muons and neutrinos is examined. The energy spectra of "atmospheric" muons at ground level and underground are calculated for various assumptions about the form of the depth–intensity curve at great depths and alternative assumptions as to the composition and energy spectrum of the primary particles. The implications are discussed. Calculations have also been made of the energy spectrum of neutrino-induced muons underground. It is shown how the spectrum is sensitive to the form of the cross section for inelastic neutrino interactions and to the mass of the (hypothetical) intermediate boson.