High-energy emission from microqusars

TL;DR

This paper explores how microquasar jets with relativistic hadrons can produce gamma rays and neutrinos through interactions with matter and photon fields, discussing recent calculations and detection prospects.

Contribution

It presents new calculations of hadronic jet interactions with matter and photon fields, and discusses neutrino production and detection prospects in microquasars.

Findings

Hadronic jets can produce detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.

Interactions with external matter and photon fields are significant.

Detection prospects depend on jet composition and external environment.

Abstract

If the jets of microquasars carry a significant power in the form of relativistic hadrons, then gamma rays and neutrinos can be produced by interactions with matter and photon fields either external or internal to the jet. In this paper I present some recent results of calculations of the interaction of hadronic jets with 1) matter of the jet itself, 2) photon fields generated by synchrotron radiation of both protons and electrons, and 3) matter external to the jet (e.g. a clumped wind). I briefly discuss neutrino production in these scenarios and the prospects of detection with new gamma-ray instruments. Finally, I make a few comments on the controversy about the nature of LS I +61 303.