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Electron capture decay of cosmic rays

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Abstract

Cosmic-ray nuclei are close to fully ionized during their passage through the Galaxy. Electron capture decay is rare among these nuclides because most do not have bound electrons. Under certain conditions, specifically low energies and/or high charges, electron capture becomes an essential factor in determining cosmic-ray composition. In this paper we discuss the general nature of electron capture decay in cosmic rays and describe specific measurements which can reveal the existence of electron capture decay, and energy and density-dependent processes in the interstellar medium.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Severn Communications Corporation, Severna Park, Maryland, USA

    John R. Letaw

  2. Naval Research Laboratory, E.O. Hulburt Center for Space Research, Washington, USA

    J. H. Adams Jr., Rein Silberberg & C. H. Tsao

Authors
  1. John R. Letaw
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  2. J. H. Adams Jr.
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  3. Rein Silberberg
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  4. C. H. Tsao
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Letaw, J.R., Adams, J.H., Silberberg, R. et al. Electron capture decay of cosmic rays. Astrophys Space Sci 114, 365–379 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653983

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653983

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