The density spectrum of extensive air showers at 1 575 m and 4 300 m

Abstract

The density spectra of extensive air showers at Albuquerque, New Mexico (1 575 m altitude) and Mt. Evans (4 300 m) have been measured using proportional counters. From 800 to 3 500 particles per m2, the integral density spectrum has a logarithmic slope of −1.43, and above this density the spectrum steepens continuously up to a density of 16 000 particles per m2. This is in good agreement with previous determinations of the density spectrum which indicated that the region of the spectrum in which the steepening occurs moves to higher densities with increasing altitude. At Mt. Evans, data of limited statistical accuracy indicate a spectrum that continues to densities of at least 60 000 particles per m2.