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Hard X-ray bremsstrahlung production in solar flares by high-energy proton beamsThe possibility that solar hard X-ray bremsstrahlung is produced by acceleration of stationary electrons by fast-moving protons, rather than vice versa, as commonly assumed, was investigated. It was found that a beam of protons which involves 1836 times fewer particles, each having an energy 1836 times greater than that of the electrons in the equivalent electron beam model, has exactly the same bremsstrahlung yield for a given target, i.e., the mechanism has an energetic efficiency equal to that of conventional bremsstrahlung models. Allowance for the different degrees of target ionization appropriate to the two models (for conventional flare geometries) makes the proton beam model more efficient than the electron beam model, by a factor of order three. The model places less stringent constraints than a conventional electron beam model on the flare energy release mechanism. It is also consistent with observed X-ray burst spectra, intensities, and directivities. The altitude distribution of hard X-rays predicted by the model agrees with observations only if nonvertical injection of the protons is assumed. The model is inconsistent with gamma-ray data in terms of conventional modeling.
Document ID
19850064307
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Emslie, A. G.
(Alabama, University Huntsville, United States)
Brown, J. C.
(California, University San Diego, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 295
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Accession Number
85A46458
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-83-03172
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-82-17025
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-294
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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