Proton Dominance of Sub-LET Threshold GCR SEE Rate

We apply a Monte Carlo based integral rectangular parallel-piped (IRRP) approach to evaluate the impact of heavy ion reaction products on the Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) Single Event Effect (SEE) rate, concluding that owing to their similar high-energy (>100 MeV/n) SEE cross section and much larger abundance, protons are expected to be the dominating contributor. In addition, a broad set of components, ions and energies is used to explore the sub-LET threshold experimental region for standard ground-level heavy ion test energies, identifying an overall decreasing trend in the 10-80 MeV/n range due to the decreased contribution of complete and break-up fusion, and pointing out the limitations associated to the application of Monte Carlo SEE models in this energy interval.