Search

Cosmic rays (CRs) are a powerful tool for the investigation of the structure of the magnetic fields in the galactic halo and the properties of the interstellar medium. Two parameters of the CR propagation model--the galactic halo (half-)thickness H and the diffusion coefficient D--are loosely constrained by current CR flux measurements; in particular, a large degeneracy exists being only H/D well measured. The 10Be/9Be isotopic flux ratio (thanks to the 2 My lifetime of 10Be) can be used as a radioactive clock, providing the measurement of CR residence time in the galaxy. This is an important tool for solving the H/D degeneracy. Past measurements of the 10Be/9Be isotopic flux ratio in CRs are scarce, limited to low energy, and affected by large uncertainties. Here, a new technique to measure the 10Be/9Be isotopic flux ratio with a data-driven approach in magnetic spectrometers is presented. The analysis with the data driven approach of beryllium events collected by the PAMELA experiment is shown as an example. It is possible to measure the 10Be/9Be flux ratio avoiding the uncertainties related to the Monte Carlo simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to single-photon detection by means of an avalanche photodiode is described and preliminary results obtained by implementation of a prototype are reported. The electronic circuit (breakdown voltage follower) avoids the use of complex temperature controls typically used with these devices, thus reducing system complexity and cost. Data obtained without any thermoregulation show the same behavior with respect to systems thermoregulated to within a few hundredths of a degree celsius.