Vertical profile of atmospheric cosmic-ray intensity measured using a stratospheric balloon

Abstract

The objective of this diploma thesis was the preparation of a stratospheric balloon flight, prediction of the flight trajectory, then evaluation of the data gathered by the onboard instruments and examination of the cosmic ray intensity altitude profile. The thesis writes about theoretical background of cosmic rays, their sources and methods of observation. It further explains the functional principles of detectors used in cosmic ray research, from low-weight detectors utilisable onboard airplanes and balloons to large-scale terrestrial arrays. A method to find the Pfotzer maximum (an altitude above the sea level at which the intensity of cosmic rays is the highest) is explained in this thesis. An analysis energetic spectrum of cosmic rays is provided. One of the used detectors is tested for its response to 14.4 MeV neutrons produced by a deuterium-tritium fusion generator.