User:KianML/Bibha Chowdhuri

Lead
Bibha Chowdhuri (3 July 1913 – 2 June 1991) was an Indian particle physicist known for her investigations into cosmic rays. Working with D M Bose, she utilized photographic nuclear emulsion to become the first to detect and identify mesons. The IAU named the star HD 86081 Bibha, after her.

Research
While studying with D M Bose at the Bose institute, Chowdhuri was responsible for developing photographic plates and examining them under the microscope. Her work was integral to the discovery of mesons.

The Ilford half-tone plates used for the research were located at two altittudes; one in Sandakphu and a higher one at Pharijong. Chowdhuri noticed that the particles had decreased mass at lower altitudes, suggesting that they had decayed over time. This idea was not pursued further at the time because the team could not access more photographic plates.