The Scattering of  -Mesons in Lead and Iron

Abstract

A description is given of a cloud chamber experiment in which is investigated the dependence of the multiple and large-angle scattering of μ-mesons on momentum, sign and atomic number. The results are compared with Molière's theory for a point nucleus, Olbert's theory for an extended nucleus, and a more accurate modification of Olbert's theory. These theories give an adequate description of the multiple scattering for small momentum transfers. For large momentum transfers, where the size and structure of the nucleus should profoundly modify the scattering, Molière's theory is found to give a better description than Olbert's theory.