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Gamma-quanta conversion into positronium atoms in a strong magnetic field

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Abstract

The curvature γ-quanta emitted in the pulsar magnetospheres tangentially to the curved lines of force of the magnetic field are shown to be later canalized along the magnetic field—if it is strong enough,B≳0.1B cr =4×1012G—by gradually converting into a mutually bound electron-positron pair, i.e. a positronium atom. This happens before the photon reaches the threshold of free-pair creation. The positronium thus arising is stable against the ionizing action of the electric field near the pulsar unless it reaches a critical value about 4×107 CGSE forB≃1013G. This prevents the screening of the electric field up to the distances from the pulsar, where the magnetic field is already below the value of 0.1B cr and the free pair creation may become essential. This effect provides, at least within the Arons model, a higher theoretical estimate for the total luminosity of pulsars whose field at the surfaceB s exceeds 0.1B cr as compared with the conventional one.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow, U.S.S.R.

    A. E. Shabad

  2. Space Research Institute, Moscow, U.S.S.R.

    V. V. Usov

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  1. A. E. Shabad
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  2. V. V. Usov
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Shabad, A.E., Usov, V.V. Gamma-quanta conversion into positronium atoms in a strong magnetic field. Astrophys Space Sci 117, 309–325 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00650157

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00650157

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