Non-thermal processes in the cluster of galaxies Abell 3376

TL;DR

This paper models high-energy emissions from relativistic particles in galaxy cluster Abell 3376, highlighting inverse Compton scattering as the dominant process and predicting potential gamma-ray detectability.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed spectral energy distribution model for non-thermal processes in Abell 3376, emphasizing the role of shock acceleration and potential gamma-ray observations.

Findings

Inverse Compton scattering dominates high-energy emission.

Predicted gamma-ray luminosity ~9x10^{41} erg/s.

Cluster detectable by HESS, GLAST, and future Cherenkov arrays.

Abstract

We model the high-energy emission that results from the interaction of relativistic particles with photons and matter in the cluster of galaxies Abell 3376. The presence of relativistic particles is inferred from the recently found radio relics in this cluster, being one of the most prominent examples of double opposite, giant ringlike radio structures. Assuming that diffusive shock acceleration takes place in the cluster regions where radio relics are observed, we calculate the spectral energy distribution resulting from the most relevant non-thermal processes, which are synchrotron radiation, inverse Compton scattering, relativistic Bremsstrahlung, and inelastic proton-proton collisions. In the context of our model, the major radiative component at high energies is inverse Compton scattering, which could reach luminosities L ~ 9x10^{41} erg/s in the energy range between ~ 1 MeV and 10 TeV. Hadronic interactions would yield a minor contribution to the overall non-thermal emission, but would dominate at ultra-high energies. The cluster Abell 3376 might be detectable at gamma-rays by HESS, GLAST satellite and future planned Cherenkov arrays.