Three-dimensional Monte-Carlo simulation of gamma-ray scattering and production in the atmosphere

Conference · Mon May 15 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics) Conference Proceedings; (USA)

OSTI ID:5287947

Morris, D J ^[1]

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1. Space Science Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. 03824 (US)

Monte Carlo codes have been developed to simulate gamma-ray scattering and production in the atmosphere. The scattering code simulates interactions of low-energy gamma rays (20 to several hundred keV) from an astronomical point source in the atmosphere; a modified code also simulates scattering in a spacecraft. Four incident spectra, typical of gamma-ray bursts, solar flares, and the Crab pulsar, and 511 keV line radiation have been studied. These simulations are consistent with observations of solar flare radiation scattered from the atmosphere. The production code simulates the interactions of cosmic rays which produce high-energy (above 10 MeV) photons and electrons. It has been used to calculate gamma-ray and electron albedo intensities at Palestine, Texas and at the equator; the results agree with observations in most respects. With minor modifications this code can be used to calculate intensities of other high-energy particles. Both codes are fully three-dimensional, incorporating a curved atmosphere; the production code also incorporates the variation with both zenith and azimuth of the incident cosmic-ray intensity due to geomagnetic effects. These effects are clearly reflected in the calculated albedo by intensity contrasts between the horizon and nadir, and between the east and west horizons.

• OSTI ID: 5287947
• Report Number(s): CONF-8711149-; CODEN: APCPC; TRN: 90-002247
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics) Conference Proceedings; (USA), Vol. 186:1; Conference: Conference on high energy radiation background in space, Sanibel Island, FL (USA), 2-5 Nov 1987; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
GAMMA RADIATION
ALBEDO
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
MONTE CARLO METHOD
SCATTERING
SOLAR FLARES
SPACE VEHICLES
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
VEHICLES
640200* - Atmospheric Physics