Energy spectrum of cosmic ray muons in ∼100 TeV energy region reconstructed from the BUST data

Inclusive differential and integral energy spectra of cosmic ray muons in the energy range from several TeV to ∼1 PeV obtained by means of the analysis of multiple interactions of muons (pair meter technique) in the Baksan underground scintillation telescope (BUST) are presented. The results are compared with preceding BUST data on muon energy spectrum based on electromagnetic cascade shower measurements and depth-intensity curve analysis, with calculations for different muon spectrum models, and also with data of other experiments.

► High energy muon data for 12 years of BUST operation have been analyzed. ► Multiple interaction method based on the ideas of the pair-meter technique is used. ► For the first time, estimates of the muon energy spectrum above 100 TeV are obtained. ► An excess of VHE muons has been found.