Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 1995
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1995adspr..15q..77s&link_type=abstract
Advances in Space Research (ISSN 0273-1177), vol. 15, no. 5, p. (5)77-(5)80
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
2
Astronomical Models, Compton Effect, Elastic Scattering, Electron Energy, Gamma Ray Astronomy, Neutron Stars, Pair Production, Particle Acceleration, Polar Caps, Stellar Radiation, Thermal Radiation, Electric Fields, Lorentz Contraction, Mathematical Models, Stellar Magnetic Fields
Scientific paper
We presents results of a model for the energetics of electrons accelerated away from a neutron star polar cap by the large electric fields generated by the rotating highly magnetized neutron star. The energy loss mechanisms we consider in our calculations include magnetic Compton scattering of thermal X-ray photons, triplet pair production, and curvature radiation emission. The electron acceleration mechanism is assumed to operate only to a height above the polar cap approximately equal to the polar cap radius. We find several interesting results. First, magnetic Compton scattering is the dominant energy loss process when the electron Lorentz factors are below 107 for typical gamma-ray pulsar magnetic fields and surface temperatures. The amount of energy converted to photons by accelerated electrons ranges from approximately 10-100% of gammao mc2 for pulsar parameters similar to those observed where gammao is the maximum Lorentz factor an electron can attain with no radiative losses. We also find that if B is greater than 1013 G and T is greater than 3 x 10(exp6)K, the Lorentz factors of the electrons can be limited to values of 102-103 assuming values for the size of the neutron star thermal polar cap comparable to the polar cap size determined by the open field lines. Such small Lorentz factors may be capable of explaining the gamma-ray emission from PSR 1509-58 which is observed only to about 1 MeV.
Dermer Carles D.
Sturner Steven J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Magnetic Compton scattering near a hot neutron star polar CAP 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 Magnetic Compton scattering near a hot neutron star polar CAP, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic Compton scattering near a hot neutron star polar CAP will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1057988