# Study of radiation background at various high altitude locations in preparation for rare event search in cosmic rays

## TL;DR

This study assesses radiation backgrounds at high-altitude sites in India to inform the deployment of cosmic ray detectors for rare event searches, focusing on environmental effects and detector responses.

## Contribution

It provides detailed background radiation data and detector response analysis at multiple high-altitude locations, aiding future cosmic ray rare event detection efforts.

## Key findings

- Radiation background levels vary with altitude and location.
- Detector responses are influenced by extreme weather conditions.
- Data supports optimal placement of large-area detectors for rare event searches.

## Abstract

Various phenomenological models presented over the years have hinted at the possible presence of strangelets, which are nuggets of Strange Quark Matter (SQM), in cosmic rays. One way to search for such rare events is through the deployment of large area Nuclear Track Detector (NTD) arrays at high mountain altitudes. Before the deployment of any such array can begin, a detailed study of the radiation background is essential. Also a proper understanding of the response of detectors exposed to extreme weather conditions is necessary. With that aim, pilot studies were carried out at various high altitude locations in India such as Darjeeling (2200 m a.m.s.l), Ooty (2200 m a.m.s.l) and Hanle (4500 m a.m.s.l). Small arrays of CR-39 as well as high threshold Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) detectors were given open air exposures for periods ranging from three months to two years. The findings of such studies are reported in this paper.