EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Richards & Torr 1981
Richards, P.G. and Torr, D.G. (1981). A formula for calculating theoretical photoelectron fluxes resulting from the He+ 304 Å solar spectral line. Geophysical Research Letters 8: doi: 10.1029/GL008i009p00995. issn: 0094-8276.

We present a method for evaluating the ionospheric photoelectron fluxes resulting from the 304 ¿ solar radiation. This method can be used to verify the full theoretical calculation of these specific photoelectron fluxes. The formula may also be useful in monitoring variations in the 304 ¿ solar flux whenever direct solar flux measurements are unavailable. We have also performed photoelectron flux calculations using two different sets of inelastic electron collision cross sections. Fluxes obtained using an old set of cross sections are in good agreement with measured fluxes from Atmosphere Explorer-E but are up to a factor of two larger at energies between 20 and 30 eV than fluxes from most other previously published theoretical calculations. However, spectra obtained with a newer larger set of collision cross sections are in agreement with the other theoretical models, but not with the measured spectra. This suggests that the disagreement between ionospheric photoelectron theory and experiment might be resolved by a review of the electron collision cross sections used in the theoretical models.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit