Impacts of Cross Section Uncertainties on Cosmic-Ray Lithium Isotopes

Several studies have shown evidence for the existence of a primary component to the cosmic-ray lithium spectrum. This primary component is generally expected to be composed entirely of the isotope ⁷Li, produced from the decay of ⁷Be. Recent measurements of the isotopic composition of cosmic-ray lithium can be used to directly investigate this primary contribution. However, uncertainties in the cross sections of production for secondary lithium must be taken into account in order to accurately interpret these data. We examine the current uncertainties in the nuclear cross-sections of channels that produce secondary lithium. We then estimate the impact that these uncertainties have on predictions of cosmic-ray lithium spectra and isotopic composition. The possible interpretation of these data in terms of a primary contribution will be discussed.