Secondary positrons and electrons in the cosmic radiationAn improved calculation of the secondary production and equilibrium spectrum of positrons and electrons in the Galaxy in the energy range from 1 MeV to 100 GeV has been performed. This has been done by obtaining an analytic representation of the accelerator data which describes accurately the invariant cross-section of pions, kaons, and their antiparticles from threshold energy to about 1500 GeV. This calculation takes into account the correct angular distribution of electrons in the decay of muons and the effect of nuclei-nuclei collisions. The contributions of beta-decay positrons and knock-on electrons have been included. A comparison of the present calculations with earlier calculations and experiment is presented.
Document ID
19790053326
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Badhwar, G. D. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)
Stephens, S. A. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)