Muon detection with a spark chamber. How does it actually work?
Muons are particles very similar to electrons, just significantly heavier. They are produced in cosmic background radiation and constantly reach the Earth. A practical property of these particles is that, when passing through matter, they can ionize molecules. As they travel, they leave behind traces of free electrons.
A spark chamber takes advantage of exactly this effect: a strong electric field is applied between two electrodes. When a passing muon ionizes a gas, the freed electrons are accelerated in the field and trigger a visible spark. In this way, the invisible path of the muon becomes visible.
But how can we know whether the detected particle is actually a muon? What technical challenges are involved? How useful is a spark chamber today? And to what extent are there similarities with particle detectors at DESY or CERN? I will try to answer all of these questions.
At 38c3 I already gave a talk titled “Introduction to Particle Physics.” Since then I have learned a great deal, and I am excited to share this knowledge with you, to engage in discussion, and to take you along with me on my path toward becoming a particle physicist.
The talk is intended for all creatures, whether you bring prior knowledge or not.
I look forward to seeing you there!