Empirical response functions for a neutron multiplicity monitor

This paper reports the results of a latitude survey carried out with a neutron multiplicity monitor by which the response of each multiplicity to primary rigidities is directly calibrated. The latitude survey was carried out with a specially designed multiplicity monitor, the LMSC monitor, covering the threshold rigidity range 1.9 to 4.5 Gv at mountain elevation and the range 4.5 to 15.5 Gv at sea level. The data reveal directly the comparative rigidity characteristics of the various multiplicities. A general formulation is given according to which time variations in the multiplicity distribution can be converted into variations in the primary cosmic-ray rigidity spectrum. Finally, this formulation is applied to several cosmic-ray events that have occurred during the period of operation of the LMSC monitor at White Mountain, California.