Geomagnetically Trapped Alpha Particles. The Inner Zone.
Abstract
The inner-zone population of trapped alpha particles in the energy range 2.14-9.0 MeV was measured during 1969. The measurements show that inner-zone alpha particles are strongly peaked in pitch angle and the intensity decreases rapidly with decreasing L value. The alpha-particle spectra are flat and closely resemble inner-zone proton spectra at comparable energies. The alpha/p ratio is roughly independent of L (1.6 approximately < L approximately < 2.0)and energy (0.293-1.14 MeV/nucleon) and is approximately 1-4 X 0.001. The computed alpha-particle distribution function strongly suggests that the inner zone is populated by alpha particles which diffuse inward conserving M and J. A value of the diffusion coefficient is derived, D(LL) = (1.2 x 10 to the minus 8th power) (L to the 10th power)/day, which is in good agreement with earlier proton studies. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766408
Entities
People
- Bernard Blake
- George A. Paulikas
- Joseph F. Fennell
- Michael Schulz
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation