
%0 Journal Article
%A C Storey, Michelle 
%A Melrose, DB 
%T Collisions in Strong Magnetic Fields
%J Australian Journal of Physics
%D 1987/02/01
%V 40
%N 1
%P 89-108
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/PH870089
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/PH870089 
%X 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. 
