Inverse compton X-rays from relativistic flare electrons and positrons

DOI10.1051/0004-6361/200913190zbMATH Open1187.85016arXiv0908.3903OpenAlexW3100518817WikidataQ68971965 ScholiaQ68971965MaRDI QIDQ3563807FDOQ3563807

Authors: A. L. Mackinnon, P. C. V. Mallik 

Publication date: 1 June 2010

Published in: Astronomy and Astrophysics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: In solar flares, inverse Compton scattering (ICS) of photospheric photons might give rise to detectable hard X-ray photon fluxes from the corona where ambient densities are too low for significant bremsstrahlung or recombination. Gamma-ray lines and continuum in some large flares imply the presence of the necessary ~100 MeV electrons and positrons, the latter as by-products of GeV energy ions. Recent observations of coronal hard X-ray sources in particular prompt us to reconsider here the possible contribution of ICS. We aim to evaluate the ICS X-ray fluxes to be expected from prescribed populations of relativistic electrons and positrons in the solar corona. The ultimate aim is to determine if ICS coronal X-ray sources might offer a new diagnostic window on relativistic electrons and ions in flares. We use the complete formalism of ICS to calculate X-ray fluxes from possible populations of flare primary electrons and secondary positrons, paying attention to the incident photon angular distribution near the solar surface and thus improving on the assumption of isotropy made in previous solar discussions. Both primary electrons and secondary positrons produce very hard ICS X-ray spectra. The anisotropic primary radiation field results in pronounced centre-to-limb variation in predicted fluxes and spectra, with the most intense spectra, extending to the highest photon energies, expected from limb flares. Acceptable numbers of electrons or positrons could account for RHESSI coronal X/gamma-ray sources. Some coronal X-ray sources at least might be interpreted in terms of ICS by relativistic electrons or positrons, particularly when sources appear at such low ambient densities that bremsstrahlung appears implausible.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0908.3903

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zbMATH Keywords

gamma raysacceleration of particlesradiation mechanisms: generalSun: flaresSun: coronaSun: photosphereSun: X-rays

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Electromagnetic fields in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C50) Radiative transfer in astronomy and astrophysics (85A25) Galactic and stellar structure (85A15)

Cited In (5)

• A clarification on the invariable point in the power-law energy spectra of non-thermal electrons of solar flares
• LIMITS ON PRODUCTION OF NARROW BAND PHOTONS FROM INVERSE COMPTON SCATTERING
• Gamma-ray emission from the solar halo and disk: a study with EGRET data
• Generation of highly energetic electrons at reconnection outflow shocks during solar flares
• Kappa distribution and hard X-ray emission of solar flares

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