Cherenkov Radiation Calculator

Calculate Cherenkov emission angle and threshold for particles

About Cherenkov Radiation

Cherenkov radiation is emitted when a charged particle travels through a medium faster than the phase velocity of light in that medium. It creates a characteristic blue glow in nuclear reactors and is used in particle detectors.

Key Formulas:

  • Threshold: β > 1/n
  • Angle: cos θ = 1/(nβ)
  • γ_threshold = n/√(n²-1)

Applications:

  • RICH detectors (particle ID)
  • Neutrino detectors (Super-K)
  • Cosmic ray experiments