Physics in Ultra-Strong Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This paper reviews the effects of ultra-strong magnetic fields on neutron star magnetospheres, highlighting quantum electrodynamic processes that influence observed radiation in highly magnetized neutron stars.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of quantum and exotic processes in neutron star magnetospheres at ultra-strong magnetic fields, emphasizing their impact on emitted radiation.

Findings

Quantum effects significantly alter radiation processes.

Exotic QED processes emerge at magnetic fields above 4.4 x 10^{13} G.

Magnetospheric processes influence observable neutron star emissions.

Abstract

Several populations of neutron stars have surface magnetic fields above the critical strength of 4.4 x 10^{13} G where the electron cyclotron energy equals its rest mass energy. These include high-field rotation-powered pulsars, X-ray dim isolated neutron stars (XDIN), and magnetars. In such ultra-strong fields, quantum effects in physical processes as well as additional exotic Quantum Electrodynamic processes only occurring at these high field strengths have a significant influence on the emitted radiation. Although very strong magnetic fields play a critical role both inside and outside of neutron stars, I will review primarily processes that operate in the neutron star magnetospheres and how they influence the observed radiation.