Astrophysical gamma-ray production by inverse compton interactions of relativistic electrons

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/157390· OSTI ID:5631444

Schlickeiser, R

The inverse Compton scattering of background photon gases by relativistic electrons is a good candidate for the production of high-energy ..gamma..-rays in the diffuse interstellar medium as well as in discrete sources. By discussing the special case of the scattering of the diffuse starlight in the interstellar medium by cosmic ray electrons, we demonstrate that previous derivations of the ..gamma..-ray source function for this process on the basis of the Thomson limit of the Klein-Nishina cross section lead to incorrect values for ..gamma..-ray energies above 100 MeV. It is shown that the Thomson limit is not applicable for the calculation of ..gamma..-ray source functions in astrophysical circumstances in which target photons with energies greater than 1 eV are scattered by relativistic electrons.

• Research Organization: Enrico Fermi Institute, University of Chicago
• OSTI ID: 5631444
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 233:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COMPTON EFFECT
COSMIC ELECTRONS
COSMIC GAMMA SOURCES
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIATION
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
CROSS SECTIONS
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
FLUIDS
GAMMA RADIATION
GASES
INELASTIC SCATTERING
INTERACTIONS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LEPTONS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
PHOTONS
RADIATIONS
SCATTERING
SPACE
THOMSON SCATTERING