478-keV and 431-keV Line Emissions from Alpha-Alpha Reactions

Abstract

We point out tile existence of strong -ray lines from aa reactions at 478 and 431 keV. These lines are produced by the interaction of a-particles with helium nuclei leading to 7Li and 7Be in their first excited states. Doppler broadening blends these lines into a spectral feature which could be observable from large solar flares. This feature could also make an important contribution to emission from the galactic center around 0.5 MeV. Subject headings: flares, solar - gamma rays - nuclear reactions