Cosmic gamma-ray lines - TheoryThe various processes that lead to gamma-ray line emission and the possible astrophysical sources of such emission are reviewed. The processes of nuclear excitation, radiative capture, positron annihilation, and cyclotron radiation, which may produce gamma-ray line emission from such diverse sources as the interstellar medium, novas, supernovas, pulsars, accreting compact objects, the galactic nucleus and the nuclei of active galaxies are considered. The significance of the relative intensities, widths, and frequency shifts of the lines are also discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding those gamma-ray lines that have already been observed from astrophysical sources.
Document ID
19800067092
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Lingenfelter, R. E. (California, University La Jolla, Calif., United States)
Ramaty, R. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics, Greenbelt, Md., United States)