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Description of light ion production cross sections and fluxes on the Mars surface using the QMSFRG model

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Abstract

The atmosphere of Mars significantly attenuates the heavy ion component of the primary galactic cosmic rays (GCR), however, increases the fluence of secondary light ions (neutrons, and hydrogen and helium isotopes) because of particle production processes. We describe results of the quantum multiple scattering fragmentation (QMSFRG) model for the production of light nuclei through the distinct mechanisms of nuclear abrasion and ablation, coalescence, and cluster knockout. The QMSFRG model is shown to be in excellent agreement with available experimental data for nuclear fragmentation cross sections. We use the QMSFRG model and the space radiation transport code, HZETRN to make predictions of the light particle environment on the Martian surface at solar minimum and near maximum. The radiation assessment detector (RAD) experiment will be launched in 2009 as part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). We make predictions of the expected results for time dependent count-rates to be observed by the RAD experiment. Finally, we consider sensitivity assessments of the impact of the Martian atmospheric composition on particle fluxes at the surface.

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Acknowledgment

This work was sponsored, in-part, by the NASA Exploration Systems Management Directorates Space Radiation Research Programs Radiation Risk Assessment (F.A. Cucinotta) and Mars Science Laboratory Awards (D. Hassler).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Francis A. Cucinotta & Myung-Hee Kim

  2. Penn State University, State College, PA, USA

    Susana I. Schneider

  3. Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO, USA

    Donald M. Hassler

Authors
  1. Francis A. Cucinotta
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  2. Myung-Hee Kim
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  3. Susana I. Schneider
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  4. Donald M. Hassler
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Correspondence to Francis A. Cucinotta.

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Cucinotta, F.A., Kim, MH., Schneider, S.I. et al. Description of light ion production cross sections and fluxes on the Mars surface using the QMSFRG model. Radiat Environ Biophys 46, 101–106 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-007-0099-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-007-0099-y

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