Abstract
The resonant process of the creation of an ultrarelativistic electron–positron pair by two hard gamma quanta in the field of an X-ray pulsar (the Breit–Wheeler process modified by an external field) was theoretically studied. Under resonance conditions, the intermediate virtual electron (positron) in the external field becomes a real particle. As a result, there are four reaction channels for the process instead of two. For each of those channels, the initial process of the second order in the fine structure constant in the field of an X-ray pulsar effectively reduces into two successive processes of the first order: X-ray-stimulated Breit–Wheeler process and X-ray-stimulated Compton effect. The resonant kinematics of the process was also studied in detail. The process had characteristic threshold energy, and all initial and final particles had to be ultrarelativistic and propagate in a narrow cone. Furthermore, the resonant energy spectrum of the electron-positron pair significantly depended on emission angles. Clearly, there was a qualitative difference between resonant and nonresonant cases. Lastly, the resonant differential probability of studied process was obtained. The resonant differential probability significantly exceeded the nonresonant one without the external field of an X-ray pulsar.
Highlights
Astroparticle physics is currently a rapidly developing and relevant field of investigation [1].Quantum processes play a significant role in the evolution of astrophysical objects such as pulsars and magnetars due to the presence of a strong electromagnetic field [2]
Several effects of quantum electrodynamics (QED) in external fields can reproduce the production of electron–positron pairs due to interactions of gamma quanta with the electromagnetic field of a pulsar [5,6]
In contrast to above-mentioned works, in this paper, the resonant Breit–Wheeler process is studied in the field of an X-ray pulsar
Summary
Astroparticle physics is currently a rapidly developing and relevant field of investigation [1]. Several effects of quantum electrodynamics (QED) in external fields can reproduce the production of electron–positron pairs due to interactions of gamma quanta with the electromagnetic field of a pulsar [5,6]. Oleinik resonances correspond to an intermediate virtual state coming on a mass shell and becoming a real particle In this case, the initial second-order process effectively reduces into two successive processes of the first order because lower-order processes are allowed in the external field. Breit–Wheeler process in the field of a plane monochromatic electromagnetic wave was analysed in [25], but the resonant kinematics and differential probability of the process were not studied in detail. In contrast to above-mentioned works, in this paper, the resonant Breit–Wheeler process is studied in the field of an X-ray pulsar.
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