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Australian Journal of Physics Australian Journal of Physics Society
A journal for the publication of original research in all branches of physics
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Collisions in Strong Magnetic Fields

Michelle C Storey and DB Melrose

Australian Journal of Physics 40(1) 89 - 108
Published: 1987

Abstract

Exact cross sections for electron-electron collisions and electron-proton collisions in a superstrong magnetic field are derived using the QED formalism developed by Melrose and Parle. The results are compared with those of Langer who used a different QED formalism. The intended application is to collision processes in the accretion columns above neutron stars where magnetic fields of order 109 T are thought to be present. The particular case of electrons initially in their ground states, with one final electron in an excited state is described in detail; this process is thought to be the primary source of photons in X-ray pulsars, through subsequent cyclotron emission.

https://doi.org/10.1071/PH870089

© CSIRO 1987

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