The effect of direct electron‐positron pair production on relativistic feedback rates
Abstract
Runaway electron avalanches developing in thunderclouds in high electric field become self‐sustaining due to relativistic feedback via the production of backward propagating positrons and backscattered X‐rays. To date, only positrons created from pair production by gamma rays interacting with the air have been considered. In contrast, direct electron‐positron pair production, also known as “trident process,” occurs from the interaction of energetic runaway electrons with atomic nuclei, and so it does not require the generation of a gamma ray mediator. The positrons produced in this process contribute to relativistic feedback and become especially important when the feedback factor value approaches unity. Then the steady state flux of runaway electrons increases significantly. In certain cases, when the strong electrostatic field forms in a narrow area, the direct positrons become one of processes dominating relativistic feedback. Calculations of the direct positron production contribution to relativistic feedback are presented for different electric field configurations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1002/2014ja020415
Entities
People
- E. S. Cramer
- H. K. Rassoul
- I. B. Vodopiyanov
- J. R. Dwyer
- R. J. Lucia
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Florida Institute of Technology