Monte Carlo Cyclotron Line Shapes and Fits to RXTE Accreting Pulsar Spectra

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We present fits to accreting pulsar spectra using models in which an assumed continuum has undergone significant cyclotron resonant scattering by electrons in a large (10^12 G) magnetic field. This scattering produces harmonically spaced ``cyclotron lines,'' or line-like spectral features that arise due to the scattering of photons on electrons whose energies are constrained into Landau levels perpendicular to the B-field. The models are based on Monte Carlo simulations using relativistic Compton scattering cross sections, including natural line widths and four harmonics (the fundamental plus three overtones). We discuss how the cyclotron line profiles, which can be quite complex, vary with scattering geometry, viewing angle with respect to the B-field, electron temperature, and underlying continuum shape. We use these models to fit the observed spectra of 4U 0115+63 and Hercules X-1 at selected rotation phases, and discuss their applicability.

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

Monte Carlo Cyclotron Line Shapes and Fits to RXTE Accreting Pulsar Spectra 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 Monte Carlo Cyclotron Line Shapes and Fits to RXTE Accreting Pulsar Spectra, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Monte Carlo Cyclotron Line Shapes and Fits to RXTE Accreting Pulsar Spectra will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1537972

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