Cyclotron absorption in accreting magnetic white dwarfs

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/158427· OSTI ID:6565433

Chanmugam, G

The cyclotron absorption coefficient is calculated using a three-dimensional Maxwellain distribution for the electrons for a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. Numerical fits of the form ..cap alpha..(..omega.., theta) = exp (-(a/sub 0/ + a/sub 1/eta/sup 2/ + a/sub 2/eta/sup 4/ + a/sub 3/eta/sup 6/)), where eta = (..pi../2)-theta) are presented and compared with previous results, whose range of validity is clarified. The results are applied to a plasma slab which is perpendicular to the magnetic field, and it is shown that there are deviations from the Rayleigh-Jeans spectrum predicted in earlier works. Comparison with observations for AM Herculis suggests that its magnetic field is about 5 x 10/sup 7/ gauss (or less).

• Research Organization: National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, CO
• OSTI ID: 6565433
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 241:3; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
BOLTZMANN STATISTICS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
CYCLOTRON RADIATION
DWARF STARS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
LEPTONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC STARS
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS
WHITE DWARF STARS