Relativistic Quantum Response of a Strongly Magnetised Plasma. I. Mildly Relativistic Electron Gas

Abstract

Approximate analytic expressions are derived for the linear response 4-tensor of a strongly magnestised, mildly relativistic electron plasma. The results are obtained within the framework of quantum plasma dynamics, thus the response contains relativistic and quantum effects that are essential in a super-strong magnetic field. The response is obtained in terms of relativistic plasma dispersion functions known as Shkarofsky functions. These functions allow the wave properties of the plasma to be studied without resorting to complicated numerical schemes. The response derived is valid for radiation with frequency up to about the cyclotron frequency and is of use in the theory of spectra formation in X-ray pulsars. In addition, a simple graphical technique is introduced that allows one to visually locate the roots of the resonant denominator occurring in the response, as well as determine the conditions under which both roots are valid and contribute to absorption.