Cyclotron harmonics in accreting pulsars and gamma-ray bursters: Effect of two-photon processes

S. G. Alexander, P. Mészáros

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

We discuss the radiative transfer at the cyclotron first, second, and third harmonics for simplified accreting pulsar and gamma-ray burster emission regions. We include two-photon scattering as well as two-photon emission, which play a major role in determining the line-strength ratio. Stimulated effects are also important for accurately modeling the optically thick line and continuum regions. These calculations are compared with recent observations of accreting pulsars and gamma-ray burst sources, showing a qualitative agreement. We find that the cyclotron harmonic lines should be strongly polarized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)565-572
Number of pages8
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume372
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 10 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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