Comparison of photon-photon and photon-magnetic field pair production ratesNeutron stars were proposed as the site of gamma-ray burst activity and the copious supply of MeV photons admits the possibility of electron-positron pair production. If the neutron star magnetic field is sufficiently intense (10 to the 12th power G), both photon-photon (2 gamma) and photon-magnetic field (gamma) pair production should be important mechanisms. Rates for the two processes were calculated using a Maxwellian distribution for the photons. The ratio of 1 gamma to 2 gamma pair production rates was obtained as a function of photon temperature and magnetic field strength.
Document ID
19850049170
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Burns, M. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt; Maryland, University, College Park, MD, United States)
Harding, A. K. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)