Underground Search for Massive Slow Particles (Hunting Grand Unified Theory (GUT) Monopoles)

摘要

An underground search for superheavy slow moving ionizing particles in order to detect Grand Unified Theory magnetic monopoles is outlined. The experimental method uses a single technique, giving both spatial and time information. A very large area detector (1000 sq m) can be built at a relatively low cost. If monopoles are not found, an upper limit on their flux of 5 times 10 to the minus 16th power/sq cm/sr/sec (90% CL) should be obtained in 2 yr running time. The sensitivity of this monopole search would reach values below the Parker bound.