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Compton scattering in jets: A mechanism for approximately 0.4 and less than or approximately 0.2 MeV line productionWe show that gamma-ray line emission at approximately 0.4 and less than or approximately 0.2 MeV can be produced by Compton scattering of beamed radiation in the jets of Galactic black hole candidates. This mechanism has the novel feature of not invoking the presence of e(exp +)-e(exp -) pairs. To produce the two lines, we employ a symmetric double-sided jet with bulk flow velocity of about 0.5c and incident beam radiation with a hard energy spectrum. We show that the two lines can be seen at viewing-angle cosines relative to the jet ranging from 0.2 to 0.6. This comprises 40% of the total solid angle. In addition, the line radiation is approximately 10% polarized. Depending on the bulk flow and viewing angle, the model can produce lines at other energies as well. In particular, a broad feature near 1 MeV can be seen by viewing the jet close to its axis. Our model can also accommodate single-line spectra if the beamed gamma-ray emission or the jets themselves are asymmetric.
Document ID
19950030774
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Skibo, J. G.
(Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC United States)
Dermer, C. D.
(Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC United States)
Ramaty, R.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
August 10, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: The Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 431
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
95A62373
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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