The 'second maximum’ of the shower transition curve of cosmic radiation

Abstract

Various observers have reported, besides the well-established first maximum of the Rossi transition curve, a second maximum for larger thicknesses of absorbers. In the present paper, measurements of the Rossi curve, carried out with various counter systems, are reported. None of these measurements shows any indication of a second maximum. Using, however, an arrangement similar to that by Schmeiser & Bothe, a spurious maximum can be obtained under certain circumstances.