The contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from unresolved rotation-powered pulsars

Statistics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

10

Pulsars: General, Stars: Statistics, Cosmic Rays, Diffuse Radiation, Gamma-Rays: Theory

Scientific paper

We consider the contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray emission from unresolved gamma-ray pulsars. Based on the thick outer gap model, Monte Carlo methods are used to simulate the properties (period, distance, magnetic field, etc.) of the Galactic population of rotation-powered pulsars the gamma-ray flux of which is lower than the threshold sensitivity of the EGRET detector on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. Furthermore, the contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from the unresolved gamma-ray pulsars is calculated. Our results indicate that the unresolved gamma-ray pulsars contribute ~5 to ~10 per cent to the measured Galactic diffuse gamma-ray emission if the birth rate of neutron stars in the Galaxy is 1 to 2 per century, and that these pulsars contribute significantly to the observed Galactic diffuse gamma-ray emission above 1 GeV. Comparing the model spectrum with the observed spectrum, we show that the unresolved gamma-ray pulsars contribute very little to the diffuse emission at lower energies but can account for ~50 per cent of the observed spectrum above 1 GeV if the product of the birth rate of neutron stars and the gamma-ray beaming fraction is about unity. Such a large pulsar contribution can explain the difference (~60 per cent) between the intensity of the Galactic diffuse emission as measured by EGRET above 1 GeV and model predictions based on cosmic ray-matter interaction only.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from unresolved rotation-powered pulsars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from unresolved rotation-powered pulsars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The contribution to the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from unresolved rotation-powered pulsars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-762817

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.