Observations of the Li, Be, and B isotopes and constraints on cosmic-ray propagation

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: de Nolfo, G A, Moskalenko, I V, Binns, W R, Christian, E R, Cummings, A C, Davis, A J, George, J S, Hink, P L, Israel, M H, Leske, R A, Lijowski, M, Mewaldt, R A, Stone, E C, Strong, A W, von Rosenvinge, T T, Wiedenbeck, M E, Yanasak, N E
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 09.11.2006
• Subjects: Abundance; Cosmic ray propagation; Cosmic rays; Cross-sections; Galactic cosmic rays; Isotopes; Lithium; Propagation; Spallation
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.0611301

The abundance of Li, Be, and B isotopes in galactic cosmic rays (GCR) between E=50-200 MeV/nucleon has been observed by the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) on NASA's ACE mission since 1997 with high statistical accuracy. Precise observations of Li, Be, B can be used to constrain GCR propagation models. \iffalse Precise observations of Li, Be, and B in addition to well-measured production cross-sections are used to further constrain GCR propagation models. \fi We find that a diffusive reacceleration model with parameters that best match CRIS results (e.g. B/C, Li/C, etc) are also consistent with other GCR observations. A \(\sim\)15--20% overproduction of Li and Be in the model predictions is attributed to uncertainties in the production cross-section data. The latter becomes a significant limitation to the study of rare GCR species that are generated predominantly via spallation.