Cosmic Ray Production by Vibrating Neutron Stars

Abstract

I HAVE recently pointed out¹ that a vibrating neutron star, which is expected to be formed as a remnant of the explosion of a Type I supernova, may store up to 10⁵¹ or 10⁵² ergs as mechanical energy of vibration. This energy may be dissipated by various non-thermal mechanisms. If a magnetic field is embedded in the neutron star, then the vibrations will produce hydromagnetic waves which travel along the field lines, and these will be capable of accelerating charged particles to high energies by transit² and stochastic³ acceleration processes. There is a possibility that the synchrotron radiation of X-rays from the Crab Nebula results from acceleration processes of this type, where the accelerated electrons have been able to diffuse into the outer expanding envelope. Such a diffusion is rendered easier if there should be a corona produced around the neutron star, which expands to form a stellar wind, thus drawing radially outward the magnetic lines of force. Such coronal heating may arise from shocks produced by the vibrations in the atmosphere¹ or by electromagnetic interaction, between the magnetic field and the surrounding plasma (Manley, O., private communication).