Muon Detection & Decay Time: Scintillator Explained

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of setting up a lab experiment on muon detection and its decay time. The muon first reaches the scintillator and slows down due to ionization and atomic excitation, causing the fluor molecules to emit light. After decaying into an electron, neutrino, and anti-neutrino, the electron also produces scintillator light. The question is how the electron causes the scintillator to emit light, possibly due to its high speed and loss of kinetic energy similar to the muon.
  • #1
Submarine
2
0
Hi everybody,

I am trying to set up a lab experiment on muon detection and determination of its decay time.

I know that when a muon first reaches the scintillator it slows down because of ionization and atomic excitation of solvent molecules. The deposited energy is transferred to the fluor molecules (of the scintillator matter) whose electrons are promoted to excited states. The electrons then start emitting light. This is the first event of scintillation.

After that muon decays into an electron, a neutrino and an anti-neutrino. This electron then produces scintillator light again. The question is by what means, how does it make the scintillator to emit light? Is that because the electrons move at high speed and lose its kinetic energy in the same way as muon did?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF;
Imagine you could "inject" a slow electron into the crystal somehow ... what do you think it would do?

You can check your idea BTW: how much energy is released in the beta decay of a stationary muon?
 

Related to Muon Detection & Decay Time: Scintillator Explained

1. What is a muon?

A muon is a subatomic particle that is similar to an electron, but with a larger mass. It is a type of lepton that is created when cosmic rays from space collide with particles in Earth's atmosphere.

2. How are muons detected?

Muons are detected using a device called a scintillator. This is a material that emits light when charged particles, such as muons, pass through it. The light is then detected by a photomultiplier tube, which converts it into an electrical signal.

3. What is the purpose of detecting muons?

Muon detection is used in various scientific experiments, such as studying the properties of cosmic rays, understanding the structure of atoms, and detecting the presence of hidden structures or voids in materials.

4. How is the decay time of muons measured?

The decay time of muons is measured by detecting the time it takes for the scintillator to emit light after a muon passes through it. This time is then compared to the known decay time of muons, which is approximately 2.2 microseconds.

5. How does a scintillator work?

A scintillator works by converting the energy from charged particles, such as muons, into light. This is done through a process called scintillation, where the charged particles excite atoms in the scintillator material, causing them to emit light. The light is then detected and measured to determine the properties of the particles that passed through the scintillator.

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