DIY muon detector -- Is it really working?

In summary, the video seems to suggest that the experimental setup in the video is detecting Cherenkov radiation from muons. However, it is difficult to determine which of the hits are muons and which hits are something else.
  • #1
ORF
170
18
Hello

I found this video on YouTube,


It seems that most of the counts are noise of the PMT...

Thank you for your time.

Regards.
 
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  • #2
Is there a question in there?
 
  • #3
Hello

Sorry, I forgot to repeat the question in the title. Is the homemade experimental setup detecting Cherenkov from muons, or it is detecting other things?

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
ORF
 
  • #4
I don't think it's possible to answer your question from a movie clip.
 
  • #6
Getting hits from muons is not hard, figuring out which of the hits are muons and which hits are something else is much harder.
 
  • #7
Hello

mfb said:
figuring out which of the hits are muons and which hits are something else is much harder.
That was my doubt: in principle, they prove that part of the hits are muons because:
-- The rate of hits increase if water is used (instead of air)
-- The rate of hits increase if a heavy material is used above the detector (in principle, this material will have more probability of interaction with muons, and the detector will notice the secondary particles).

Do these two tests confirm that part of the hits are caused by muons?

And by the way... why is harder to differ muons from something else?

Thank you for your time.

Regards.
 
  • #8
Water (as shielding?) shouldn't increase the muon rate.
Based on These slides, 17 meter of water reduce the flux by a factor 10 (they discuss neutrons, but induced by muons). You need a lot of water or other materials to get relevant shielding.
ORF said:
And by the way... why is harder to differ muons from something else?
It is generally difficult to find out what produced a hit. You need a coincidence detection setup, an energy measurement, or something similar.
 
  • #9
Hello

Sorry, I said it wrongly:
-Changing the scintillator material (instead of air, water), the rate of counts was doubled.
-Adding few blocks at the top of the detector, as a shielding, the increase of counts increased (in the video is said that this may have sense).

mfb said:
You need a coincidence detection setup, an energy measurement, or something similar.

Ok, maybe the easiest way is a coincidence detection setup.

Thank you for your time.

Regards.
 

1. How does a DIY muon detector work?

A DIY muon detector typically works by detecting the high-energy particles called muons that constantly bombard Earth's atmosphere. The detector usually consists of a scintillator material, a photomultiplier tube, and some electronic components to record the signals from the muons.

2. Is a DIY muon detector as accurate as a professional one?

The accuracy of a DIY muon detector largely depends on the quality of its components and construction. If built correctly, a DIY muon detector can provide accurate results comparable to a professional one. However, it is important to note that professional detectors often have more advanced technology and may be more sensitive to muon detection.

3. Can a DIY muon detector detect other particles besides muons?

While the primary purpose of a muon detector is to detect muons, it is possible for DIY detectors to also detect other high-energy particles such as electrons and protons. However, the sensitivity to these particles may vary depending on the detector's design.

4. Are there any safety concerns when building a DIY muon detector?

Building a DIY muon detector can involve the use of electrical components and radiation-emitting materials. It is important to take proper precautions and follow safety protocols to minimize any potential risks. It is also recommended to consult with professionals or experienced hobbyists before attempting to build a detector.

5. Can a DIY muon detector be used for scientific research?

DIY muon detectors can be used for educational or personal research purposes, but they may not be suitable for professional scientific research. Professional detectors often have more advanced technology and may provide more accurate and precise data. However, DIY detectors can still be a valuable tool for learning about muons and their detection.

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