Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation

Details Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation

2008-02-29

arxiv.org/abs/0802.4452v3

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

The paper is the first part of a two papers series, it is composed by 36 pages, 4 appendixes and 22 eps figures

Scientific paper

We present a systematic study of different methods for analytic calculations of diffuse spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic rays nuclei. Nuclei propagating in the intergalactic space are photo-disintegrated and decrease their Lorentz factor due to the interaction with Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Extragalactic Background Light (EBL). We calculate the evolution trajectories in the backward time, that describe how atomic mass number $A$ and the Lorentz factor $\Gamma$ change with redshift $z$. Three methods of spectra calculations are investigated and compared: {\it (i)} trajectory method, {\it(ii)} kinetic equation combined with trajectory calculations and {\it (iii)} coupled kinetic equations. We believe that these three methods exhaust at least the principal possibilities for any analytic solution of the problem. An important element of the calculations for all methods is the systematic use of Lorentz factor instead of energy. We consider here the interaction of nuclei only with CMB, this case is particularly suitable for understanding of the physical results. In paper (II) of this series the EBL will be also included. Estimating the uncertainties of all methods discussed above, we conclude that the method of coupled kinetic equations gives the most reliable results.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analytic calculations of the spectra of ultra-high energy cosmic ray nuclei. I. The case of CMB radiation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-353369