Search for nuclearites with the SLIM detector

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential to detect cosmic ray nuclearites using large nuclear track detectors like CR39 and Makrofol, focusing on the SLIM experiment at high altitude to improve detection prospects.

Contribution

It provides detailed calculations of nuclearite propagation in Earth's atmosphere and evaluates detection capabilities of specific nuclear track detectors at high altitude.

Findings

Nuclearites can potentially be detected with CR39 and Makrofol detectors.

High altitude experiments like SLIM enhance detection sensitivity.

Propagation models inform detection strategies for nuclearites.

Abstract

We discuss the properties of cosmic ray nuclearites, from the point of view of their search with large nuclear track detector arrays exposed at different altitudes, in particular with the SLIM experiment at the Chacaltaya high altitude lab (5290 m a.s.l.). We present calculations concerning their propagation in the Earth atmosphere and discuss their possible detection with CR39 and Makrofol nuclear track detectors.