A search for point sources of cosmic ray muons using the MACRO detector.

摘要

This dissertation describes a search for small scale anisotropies in the cosmic ray muon flux above 1 TeV using the Monopole Astrophysics and Cosmic Ray Observatory (MACRO). From February 28 to May 30, 1989, MACRO detector collected data during its maiden run. Using these data, a search of the entire sky visible to MACRO was performed in an effort to find a small scale flux of cosmic ray muons. The results of this search indicates that no small scale anisotopies in the cosmic ray muon flux exist {dollar}geq{dollar}5.8 {dollar}times{dollar} 10{dollar}sp{lcub}-12{rcub}{dollar} cm{dollar}sp{lcub}-2{rcub}{dollar}s{dollar}sp{lcub}-1{rcub}{dollar} down to 3 {dollar}times{dollar} 10{dollar}sp{lcub}-3{rcub}{dollar} sr.; Periodic effects in the muon flux are searched for in two cases: Cygnus X-3 and Hercules X-1. These two X-ray eclipsing binary stars have been detected in TeV and PeV {dollar}gamma{dollar}-rays by air shower experiments. Observations suggests that other high energy particles, such as cosmic ray primaries, may be produced in X-ray binary stars. Cygnus X-3 in particular may be a source of cosmic ray primary particles. By observing muons presumably produced by atmospheric interactions, it may be possible to determine if systems such as Cygnus X-3 are indeed cosmic ray accelerators. Two experiments claim to have observed time dependent muon excesses pointing back to Cygnus X-3. The findings of this dissertation suggest that no periodic flux of cosmic ray muons from Cygnus X-3 or Hercules X-1 exists to {dollar}geq{dollar}3 {dollar}times{dollar} 10{dollar}sp{lcub}-12{rcub}{dollar} cm{dollar}sp{lcub}-2{rcub}{dollar}s{dollar}sp{lcub}-1{rcub}{dollar} over the time period of MACRO's maiden run.