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Equation of State and Opacities for Hydrogen Atmospheres of Neutron Stars with Strong Magnetic Fields

Authors :
Potekhin, Alexander Y.
Chabrier, Gilles
Source :
The Astrophysical Journal; March 2003, Vol. 585 Issue: 2 p955-974, 20p
Publication Year :
2003

Abstract

We present an equation of state and radiative opacities for a strongly magnetized hydrogen plasma at magnetic fields B, temperatures T, and densities r typical for atmospheres of isolated neutron stars. The first- and second-order thermodynamic functions, monochromatic radiative opacities, and Rosseland mean opacities are calculated and tabulated, taking account of partial ionization, for 8 x 1011 G [?] B [?] 3 x 1013 G, 2 x 105 K [?] T [?] 107 K, and a wide range of r. We show that bound-bound and bound-free transitions give an important contribution to the opacities at T [?] (1-5) x 106 K in the considered range of B in the outer neutron star atmosphere layers, which may substantially modify the X-ray spectrum of a typical magnetized neutron star. In addition, we reevaluate opacities due to free-free transitions, taking into account the motion of both interacting particles, electron and proton, in a strong magnetic field. Compared to the previous neutron star atmosphere models, the free-free absorption is strongly suppressed at photon frequencies below the proton cyclotron frequency. The latter result holds for any field strength, which prompts a revision of existing theoretical models of X-ray spectra of magnetar atmospheres.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0004637X and 15384357
Volume :
585
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
The Astrophysical Journal
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs18555550