Proton deceleration near the surface of an accreting neutron star

In binary X-ray sources consisting of a neutron star accreting matter from a companion star, X-radiation is produced by the layer of hot, dense plasma that develops where the matter collides with the neutron star surface. The structure of this layer and the spectrum of the radiation produced there are determined by the way in which infalling protons deposit their energy as a function of the depth. The dominant stopping mechanism is binary Coulomb collisions with electrons in the plasma at the surface of the neutron star, a process that is strongly modified if the neutron star has a strong (B $>$ 10$\sp{12}$ G) magnetic field. For magnetic fields of this size, the electron motion perpendicular to the field is quantized, collisions are anisotropic, and the protons deposit their energy much deeper than if the magnetic field is weaker.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Pakey, Donald Dean

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lamb, Frederick K.

• Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Physics, Fluid and Plasma

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1990 Pakey, Donald Dean

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9114369
(UMI)AAI9114369

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/20048