The energy spectrum of cosmic ray positrons

Abstract

A calculation has been made of all the predicted energy spectrum of positrons generated by the positive pions and kaons produced in turn in the interactions of cosmic ray nuclei with the interstellar medium (ISM). A critical appraisal of the results and a comparison with the predictions of other workers are given. Experimental data on the measured energy spectrum have been considered and corrections have been made for the effect of solar modulation to enable derivation of the true interstellar spectrum of energetic positrons. Comparison with prediction gives evidence for the main component of cosmic rays responsible for the positrons-protons-having passed through rather less matter in the ISM than is the case of heavier cosmic ray nuclei. Possible explanations are put forward.