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UFN, 2025 Volume 195, Number 7, Pages 713–720 (Mi ufn16115)

PHYSICS OF OUR DAYS

Low-energy positrons and gamma photons in the Galaxy

I. M. Dremin, D. O. Chernyshov

Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Abstract: The problem of low-energy positron production in the Galaxy and subsequent annihilation of these positrons into gamma rays have produced many different hypotheses on the sources. The high intensity of gamma-ray emission sets certain limitations on the properties of these sources. In this review, we provide estimations of the contribution of cosmic rays to the production of low-energy positrons responsible for the formation of the 511-keV annihilation line. Despite cosmic rays being unable to provide a sufficient positron production rate to explain the annihilation emission of the whole Galaxy, their contribution is not negligible.

Keywords: positrons, gamma photons, protons, nuclei, emission, Galaxy

PACS: 13.75.Cs, 13.85.Dz, 96.50.S-

Received: April 25, 2025
Revised: June 2, 2025
Accepted: June 5, 2025

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2025.06.039942


 English version:
Physics–Uspekhi, 2025, 68:7, 668–674


© Steklov Math. Inst. of RAS, 2025