Nuclear Interactions of Cosmic Rays as the Source of the Synchrotron Radiating Particles of Our Galaxy.

Abstract

Abstract : A detailed analysis is presented of the production of secondary electrons and positrons in our galactic disk by cosmic radiation. The calculations employ data from high-energy nuclear physics experiments. The object of this analysis is to determine how well these particles can explain the spectrum and intensity of the meter-wavelength radio noise from the halo and disk of our Galaxy. The calculated spectrum and intensity do not agree exactly with the measured values, but are very useful in trying to understand the existing situation with respect to highenergy particles in the Galaxy. Independent of the origin of the synchrotron-radiating particles, the complete diffusion of relativistic cosmic-ray electrons and positrons throughout the Galaxy is demonstrated, and information on the magnetic-field intensity in the disk and halo is obtained. Methods by which the secondary origin of the synchrotron radiating particles can be tested are examined, and in particular the positron-to-electron ratio in cosmic rays is predicted as a function of energy. (Author)