Response functions of cosmic ray telescopes at sea level and at 60 m.w.e

A theoretical determination of the primary response of cosmic ray muon telescopes is presented. The calculations take into account successive collisions of an incoming primary nucleon, the distribution in energy of pions and muons at generation, and the decay and energy loss of muons in the standard atmosphere. Values of the primary muon multiplicity are given for telescopes at sea level and at a depth of 60 m.w.e. underground. The response functions obtained are verified by comparison with experimental data on the latitude effect and equatorial east–west effect at sea level. Comparisons are also made with response functions proposed by other workers for telescopes at 60 m.w.e.