Perspectives on Gamma-Ray Pulsar Emission
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, MS-108, Rice University, P. O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892 (United States)
Pulsars are powerful sources of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper highlights some theoretical insights into non-thermal, magnetospheric pulsar gamma-ray radiation. These advances have been driven by NASA's Fermi mission, launched in mid-2008. The Large Area Telescope (LAT) instrument on Fermi has afforded the discrimination between polar cap and slot gap/outer gap acceleration zones in young and middle-aged pulsars. Altitude discernment using the highest energy pulsar photons will be addressed, as will spectroscopic interpretation of the primary radiation mechanism in the LAT band, connecting to both polar cap/slot gap and outer gap scenarios. Focuses will mostly be on curvature radiation and magnetic pair creation, including population trends that may afford probes of the magnetospheric accelerating potential.
- OSTI ID:
- 21611634
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 1379; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ACCELERATION
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COSMIC GAMMA SOURCES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
INTERACTIONS
PAIR PRODUCTION
PARTICLE PRODUCTION
PHYSICS
PULSARS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
STELLAR ACTIVITY
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR MAGNETOSPHERES
STELLAR WINDS
TELESCOPE COUNTERS