The Decay of the Neutral V-Particle

Citation

Wanlass, Sylvan Dean (1953) The Decay of the Neutral V-Particle. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5291-D817. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05122003-124049

Abstract

NOTE: Text or symbols not renderable in plain ASCII are indicated by [...]. Abstract is included in .pdf document. In a set of 23,000 cloud chamber photographs taken in a study of penetrating showers, 134 examples of the decay of neutral V-particles were observed. These have been analyzed in an endeavor to determine the properties associated with this phenomenon. It is apparent in the great majority of cases that the two charged decay products are protons and negative [pi]-mesons. There is, however, a significant number of data available to indicate the existence of other charged decay-products; the poor quality of these events has unfortunately prevented an interpretation in terms of a decay scheme. No direct evidence has been observed which indicates the existence of neutral secondary particles, and the statistical data are consistent with a two-body decay scheme. Q-values have been calculated under the assumption of a two-body decay into a negative [pi]-meson and a proton; these values range from 10?3 Mev to about 87?15 Mev. It is exceedingly difficult to reconcile the observed results with any unique Q-value. Other interesting events which were observed in these experiments included charged V-particles and heavy mesons. A brief analysis of these events has also been included.

Thesis Files