Cite abstracts as Author(s) (2006), Title, Eos Trans. AGU,
87(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract xxxxx-xx

HR:  0800h
AN: AE31A-1039
TI: Constraints on Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flash Production Derived From Satellite Observations
AU: * Carlson, B
EM: brantc@stanford.edu
AF: STAR Lab, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 350 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 United States
AU: Lehtinen, N
EM: nleht@stanford.edu
AF: STAR Lab, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 350 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 United States
AU: Inan, U
EM: inan@stanford.edu
AF: STAR Lab, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 350 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 United States

AB: Since the discovery of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs), their
production has been modeled by several emission mechanisms, including
relativistic runaway electron (RRE) avalanches due to
quasi-electrostatic (QES) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) electric
fields. In spite of these models and the existing RHESSI and
BATSE/CGRO data, significant uncertainties exist about the mechanism
and exact parameters of the source. In this paper, we present a
simplified and general method to develop approximate
mechanism-independent constraints on TGF production on the basis of
Monte-Carlo simulation of gamma photon propagation through the
atmosphere. A broad range of possible initial TGF parameters are
simulated, based on assumptions of an underlying bremsstrahlung source
with different general properties. The results of the Monte-Carlo
simulation are compared with RHESSI and BATSE data, from which
constraints may be derived. Constraints on the basis of photon fluence
and spectral shape are presented. The possible derivation of further
constraints based on the lateral distance between point of TGF
production and spacecraft nadir point is also discussed.

DE: 2423 Ionization processes (7823)
DE: 2427 Ionosphere/atmosphere interactions (0335)
DE: 2435 Ionospheric disturbances
DE: 2451 Particle acceleration
DE: 3324 Lightning
SC: Atmospheric and Space Electricity [AE]
MN: 2006 Fall Meeting