Compton scattering in strong magnetic fields and the continuum spectra of gamma-ray bursts - Basic theory

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (111) References (58) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Compton Scattering in Strong Magnetic Fields and the Continuum Spectra of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Basic Theory Dermer, Charles D. Abstract A system involving Comptonization of soft photons by relativistic nonthermal electrons in a strong magnetic field is examined. An expression is derived for calculating angle-dependent Compton-scattered photon spectra. Energy-loss rates of beamed electrons which Compton-scatter monochromatic soft photons in strong magnetic fields are obtained. Thick-target model energy spectra of the electrons and approximate forms for the spectra associated with the angular nonresonant and resonant parts of the cross section are presented. The neutron star model of gamma-ray bursts by Ho and Epstein (1989) is generalized to strong magnetic fields, giving electron energy loss rates and mean free paths from magnetic Comptonization of blackbody photons by beamed electrons. Values of the electron Lorentz factors at unity stopping depth as a function of blackbody temperature, magnetic field, and emission cone angle. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: September 1990 DOI: 10.1086/169108 Bibcode: 1990ApJ...360..197D Keywords: Compton Effect; Gamma Ray Bursts; Neutron Stars; Stellar Magnetic Fields; Continuous Radiation; Magnetic Field Configurations; Magnetic Flux; Relativistic Electron Beams; Astrophysics; GAMMA RAYS: BURSTS; RADIATION MECHANISMS; STARS: MAGNETIC; STARS: NEUTRON full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1)