Relativistic kinetic equation for Compton scattering of polarized radiation in strong magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper derives a comprehensive relativistic kinetic equation for polarized radiation undergoing Compton scattering in strong magnetic fields, accounting for electron polarization, induced effects, and applicable to neutron star environments.

Contribution

It introduces a general relativistic kinetic equation for polarized radiation in strong magnetic fields, including electron polarization and scattering effects, valid across a wide energy range.

Findings

Derived equations incorporate electron polarization and induced scattering effects.

Equations applicable for magnetic fields below 10^{16} G and all photon/electron energies.

Provides a foundation for modeling polarized radiation in neutron star atmospheres.

Abstract

We derive the relativistic kinetic equation for Compton scattering of polarized radiation in strong magnetic field using the Bogolyubov method. The induced scattering and the Pauli exclusion principle are taken into account. The electron polarization is also considered in the general form of the kinetic equation. The special forms of the equation for the cases of the non-polarized electrons, the rarefied electron gas and the two polarization mode description of radiation are found. The derived equations are valid for any photon and electron energies and the magnetic field strength below about 10^{16} G. These equations provide the basis for formulation of the equation for polarized radiation transport in atmospheres and magnetospheres of strongly magnetized neutron stars.