A high-resolution measurement of the 2.223 MeV neutron capture line in a solar flare
Abstract
An intense solar flare lasting 40 s was observed by the HEAO 3 gamma-ray spectrometer on November 9, 1979, at 3:05 UT. The flare was observed in four high-resolution germanium detectors as well as in five CsI shield detectors over an energy range of 100 keV to above 5 MeV. Of particular interest is a line feature at 2.2248 + or - 0.0010 MeV. The precise energy measurement provides unambiguous evidence that this is the (H-1)(n, gamma)(H-2) line resulting from neutron capture on hydrogen. An upper limit of 5 keV is found for the natural line width. The time dependence of the neutron capture line is discussed as well as the overall characteristics of the November 9 flare.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1086/183773
- Bibcode:
- 1982ApJ...255L..81P
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Spectrometers;
- Heao 3;
- High Resolution;
- Neutrons;
- Nuclear Capture;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Neutrons;
- Emission Spectra;
- Hydrogen;
- Line Spectra;
- Particle Energy;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Time Dependence;
- Solar Physics