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Distribution function of relativistic electrons in a strong magnetic field

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Abstract

The motion and radiation of relativistic particles with radiation reaction in a strong magnetic field has been considered. The kinetic equation determining the relaxation of the distribution function with radiation reaction has been investigated. The universal one-dimensional distribution function is found to which any isotropic ultrarelativistic distribution in a strong magnetic field is relaxed. It is of power type ɛ−3 for ultrarelativistic energies ε≫mc 2. Estimations are made which indicate that under the pulsar conditions the one-dimensional electron distribution function is likely formed due to radiation losses while for ions the one-dimensionalization is associated with the conservation of the adiabatic invariant.

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Suvorov, E.V., Chugunov, Y.V. Distribution function of relativistic electrons in a strong magnetic field. Astrophys Space Sci 23, 189–199 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00647657

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00647657

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