Beschreibung:
<jats:p>In this account of C̆erenkov radiation, the optical analogue of the 'supersonic bang,' great emphasis is laid on the underlying physical principles of the effect. The historical introduction is followed by a qualitative account of the basic mechanism of the generation of light by the passage of fast charged particles through homogeneous transparent media. After a discussion of the relationship of C̆erenkov radiation to other processes connected with the interaction of fast particles with matter, the article turns to the practical applications of C̆erenkov detectors and counters in the fields of cosmic-ray and high-energy physics. In conclusion, the author describes some interesting experiments carried out by his colleagues and himself on light flashes from the night sky.</jats:p>