Distinguishing between Independent and Correlated Cosmic Ray Muon Events

Using an array of eight muon detectors, we investigate the nature of coincidences within a time window of tens of microseconds. In particular, we wish to discriminate muons originating from the same cosmic ray primaries from those that do not. Using the overall rate of muon hits in our detectors and statistical expectations of coincidences assuming unrelated muons, we estimate the probability that some coincidences come from the same primaries using our measured muon coincidence rates. Interestingly, the muon counters used for this array are assembled from muon telescopes (designed and built at Muhlenberg College). Each telescope consists of two scintillators placed at the ends of a one-meter tube, and each scintillator is attached to a single SiPM that generates electrical signals from the light produced by charged particles passing through the scintillator. Used as muon telescopes, coincidences are produced by single muons passing through the tube. Thus, this apparatus can be used for a multiplicity of different experiments. In this project, we use them to determine if there is evidence of muon showers. A nine-microcontroller Server/Client data network attached to the counters completes the electronics. We will present preliminary results on muons from the same primary.