The energy spectrum of 0.16 to 2 MeV electrons during solar quiet times

New observations of the quiet-time energy spectrum of 0.16 to 2 MeV electrons were made with the Caltech Electron/Isotope Spectrometer which was launched on IMP-7 in September 1972. Earlier measurements of quiet-time electrons in this energy range by other groups have resulted in spectra differing by more than an order of magnitude in intensity. A minimum quiet-time flux somewhat lower than the lowest previously reported spectra and consistent with an extrapolation of the spectrum measured at higher energies was found. A galactic secondary source of knock-on electrons is consistent with the results and with independent studies of the interstellar spectra of cosmic ray nuclei provided that solar modulation does not suppress the 0.162 MeV electron flux by more than a factor of approximately 3. Although not required, other recently suggested sources may also contribute to the observed fluxes