Pulsar gamma-rays - Spectra, luminosities, and efficiencies

Abstract

The general characteristics of pulsar gamma-ray spectra are presented for a model in which the gamma rays are produced by curvature radiation from energetic particles above the polar cap and attenuated by pair production. It is found that the shape of the spectrum depends on pulsar period, magnetic field strength, and primary particle energy. Comparing numerically calculated spectra with the observed spectra of the Crab and Vela pulsars, it is determined that primary particles must be accelerated to energies of approximately 3 x 10 to the 7th m c-squared. A general formula is determined for pulsar gamma-ray luminosity; it is found to depend on period and field strength.