LS 5039 as a Potential TeV Neutrino Source
Abstract
One of the important astrophysical implications of the recently detected TeV gamma-ray emission from LS 5039 is the confirmation of theoretical predictions that X-ray binaries with relativistic jets (microquasars) are sites of effective acceleration of particles (electrons and/or protons) to multi-TeV energies. In this regard the question of whether the gamma-rays are of hadronic or leptonic origin is a key issue related to the origin of Galactic Cosmic Rays. In this Letter we discuss different possible scenarios for the production of gamma-rays, and argue in favor of hadronic origin of TeV photons, especially if they are produced within the binary system. If so, the detected gamma-rays should be accompanied by a flux of high energy neutrinos emerging from the decays of \pi^\pm. The flux of TeV neutrinos, which can be estimated on the basis of the detected TeV gamma-ray flux taking into account the internal \gamma \gamma \to e^+e^- absorption, depends significantly on the location of gamma-ray production region(s). The minimum neutrino flux above 1 TeV is expected to be at the level of 10^{-12} cm^{-2} s^{-1}; however, it could be up to a factor of 100 larger. While the full range of fluxes will be probed by the planned detector NEMO, the upper end may be accessible to the ANTARES telescope, which is now being deployed in the Mediterranean Sea.Keywords
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