Comptonization of thermal photons by relativistic electron beams

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (66) References (25) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Comptonization of Thermal Photons by Relativistic Electron Beams Daugherty, Joseph K. ; Harding, Alice K. Abstract This paper presents a numerical calculation of gamma-ray emission produced by Compton scattering of relativistic electron beams on background thermal radiation, which includes spatial dependence of electron energy losses and cyclotron resonance scattering in a strong magnetic field. In the first version, the scattering is described by the fully relativistic Klein-Nishina cross section, but the magnetic field is neglected. In the second version, the scattering is described by the magnetic resonant cross section in the Thomson limit. It is found that when the magnetic field is not included, electron energy losses are important only at higher neutron star surface temperatures (T about 3,000,000 K). In the presence of a strong magnetic field, (10 to the 12th G), resonant scattering greatly increases electron energy losses, making scattering very efficient even at lower surface temperatures. Resulting photon and electron spectra for both cases ae discussed in relation to models for pulsar X-ray and gamma-ray emission. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: January 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167057 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...336..861D Keywords: Compton Effect; Neutron Stars; Relativistic Electron Beams; Stellar Radiation; Thermal Radiation; Cyclotron Resonance; Energy Distribution; Gamma Ray Spectra; Monte Carlo Method; Pulsars; Space Radiation; GAMMA RAYS: GENERAL; PULSARS; RADIATION MECHANISMS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (2)