Optimized FLUKA cross sections for cosmic-ray propagation studies

Abstract

The current great precision on cosmic-ray (CR) spectral data allows us to precisely test our simple models on propagation of charged particles in the Galaxy. However, our studies are severely limited by the uncertainties related to cross sections for CR interactions. Therefore we have developed a new set of cross sections derived from the FLUKA Monte Carlo code, which is optimized for the treatment of CR interactions. We show these cross sections and the main results on their application for CR propagation studies. Finally, we discuss the prediction of a low-energy break in the electrons spectra inferred from gamma-ray data.