Future balloon experiments for electron and positron measurements at high energy

摘要

A large interest has been triggered by the recent direct measurements of cosmic positrons and electrons. They include: the anomalous positron abundance reported by PAMELA; the spectral "feature" suggested by the analysis of the inclusive electron and positron data of the ATIC balloon experiment; the results of FERMI and H.E.S.S. experiments. Further accurate measurements, with smaller systematic errors, might clarify the present experimental scenario. While measurements of dipole asymmetries and of the electron spectrum above 1 TeV may require a space mission to provide a sufficient exposure, balloons can investigate the spectral shape below 1 TeV and contribute to the clarification of the, so-called, "ATIC anomaly". A concise review will be presented of the main balloon missions that have been specifically designed to provide new electron measurements in the near future.