A new technique for the investigation of cosmic ray showers

Part I of this thesis contains a discussion of the general principles involved in the neon flash tube technique. An account is given of the development of a high pressure flash tube for use in a high energy cosmic ray spectrograph and the characteristics of this tube are given in detail. The further development of a larger tube with characteristics specially suited for use in studies of extensive air showers of cosmic rays (E.A.S.) is described and Part I concludes with a reappraisal of the theory of operation of the flash tube. Part II of the thesis concerns the design, construction and operation of a flash tube array for studies of the directional properties of E.A.S. An investigation of the zenith angle dependence of E.A.S, is described, also a measurement of the particle density spectrum. The performance of the apparatus is critically examined and found to be reliable and accurate. Further applications of the array in E.A.S. are considered and modifications are discussed which would enable an investigation of models of shower development and an examination of the heights of production of mesons in E.A.S.