Collisions in Strong Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Exact cross sections for electron-electron collisions and electron-proton collisions in a superstrong magnetic field are derived using the QED formalism developed by Melrose and Parle. The results are compared with those of Langer who used a different QED formalism. The intended application is to collision processes in the accretion columns above neutron stars where magnetic fields of order 109 T are thought to be present. The particular case of electrons initially in their ground states, with one final electron in an excited state is described in detail; this process is thought to be the primary source of photons in X-ray pulsars, through subsequent cyclotron emission.