The energy spectrum of 20 keV-20 MeV electrons accelerated in large solar flares

Abstract

IMP 6, 7, and 8 measurements of the energy spectrum of 20 keV to 20 MeV electrons observed from large solar flares are presented. To minimize propagation effects, only events from flares at W30° to W90° solar longitude are considered. The energy spectra are constructed using the maximum flux observed at each energy. It is shown that these spectra are representative of the spectra of the electrons escaping from the sun over this range of energies. It is found that every event shows the same spectral shape: a double power law with a smooth transition around 100-200 keV and power law exponents of 0.6-2.0 below and 2.4-4.3 above. The more intense the event, the harder the observed spectrum; in certain cases, the spectra are observed to steepen above 3 MeV.