The importance of Fe fragmentation for LiBeB analyses

Is a Li primary source needed to explain AMS-02 data?

¹ LPSC, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS/IN2P3, 53 avenue des Martyrs, 38026 Grenoble, France
e-mail: david.maurin@lpsc.in2p3.fr
² Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, Landleven 12, 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
e-mail: e.ferronato.bueno@rug.nl
³ LAPTh, Université Savoie Mont Blanc & CNRS, Chemin de Bellevue, 74941 Annecy Cedex, France
e-mail: yoann.genolini@lapth.cnrs.fr
⁴ Niels Bohr International Academy & Discovery Center, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

Received: 1 March 2022
Accepted: 10 August 2022

Abstract

Context. High-precision data from AMS-02 on Li, Be, and B provide the best constraints on Galactic cosmic-ray transport parameters.

Aims. We re-evaluate the impact of Fe fragmentation on the Li, Be, and B modelling. We discuss the consequences on the transport parameter determination and reassess whether a primary source of Li is needed to match AMS-02 data.

Methods. We renormalised several cross-section parametrisations to existing data for the most important reactions producing Li, Be, and B. We used the USINE code with these new cross-section sets to re-analyse Li/C, Be/C, and B/C AMS-02 data.

Results. We built three equally plausible cross-section sets. Compared to the initial cross-section sets, they lead to an average enhanced production of Li (∼20 − 50%) and Be (∼5 − 15%), while leaving the B flux mostly unchanged. In particular, Fe fragmentation is found to contribute to up to 10% of the Li and Be fluxes. Used in the combined analysis of AMS-02 Li/C, Be/C, and B/C data, the fit is significantly improved, with an enhanced diffusion coefficient (∼20%). The three updated cross-section sets are found to either slightly undershoot or overshoot the Li/C and B/C ratios: this strongly disfavours evidence for a primary source of Li in cosmic rays. We stress that isotopic cosmic-ray ratios of Li (and to a lesser extent Be), soon to be released by AMS-02, are also impacted by the use of these updated sets.

Conclusions. Almost no nuclear data exist for the production of Li and B isotopes from Ne, Mg, Si, and Fe, whereas these reactions are estimated to account for ∼20% of the total production. New nuclear measurements would be appreciated and help to better exploit the high-precision AMS-02 cosmic-ray data.