Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010apj...708..288s&link_type=abstract
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 708, Issue 1, pp. 288-292 (2010).
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
2
Cosmic Rays, Dust, Extinction
Scientific paper
Electronmicroscopic samples of crystalline Mg2SiO4 forsterite were irradiated by energetic Ar, Fe, Kr, and Xe ions at room temperature. Tracks with a mean radius Re = 1.36 nm were observed after irradiation by 56 MeV Fe ions, while no tracks were induced by a 48 MeV Ar beam. Amorphization of forsterite grains by cosmic-ray (CR) Fe ions are discussed, including the effects of low temperature, ion velocity, and ion-induced crystallization. CR Fe ions induce amorphous tracks in crystalline forsterite only in the range 40-140 MeV, and the period of time for complete amorphization is τcr ≈ 13,400 Myr. Our estimate is τcr ≈ 1300 Myr for enstatite. Thus, heavy CR particles do not reduce the crystallinity of silicate grains within a reasonable time, as supposed previously. However, energetic ions can induce crystallization in amorphous solids, and this may be partially or fully responsible for the estimated 0.2% crystallinity of silicates in the interstellar medium.
Kovács V. K.
Pécz B.
Skuratov Vladimir
Szenes G.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Effect of Heavy Cosmic-Ray Ions on Silicate Grains in the Interstellar Dust 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 The Effect of Heavy Cosmic-Ray Ions on Silicate Grains in the Interstellar Dust, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Effect of Heavy Cosmic-Ray Ions on Silicate Grains in the Interstellar Dust will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1888923