The inverse Compton scattering of cosmic ray electrons in the Galaxy

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Abstract
Inverse Compton scattering is believed to be one of the major energy loss mechanisms for cosmic ray electrons in the Galaxy. Theoretical calculations of the steady-state cosmic ray electron spectrum usually use the results for inverse Compton scattering in the Thomson limit. In this paper the validity of this assumption is investigated. It is shown that the assumption is not strictly valid for inverse Compton scattering of cosmic ray electrons on optical photons. A more realistic treatment of inverse Compton scattering in a Monte Carlo model of the propagation of electrons leads to a spectral behavior which is different from that usually found with models in which IC scattering is treated in the Thomson limit only. Such behavior is due to the decrease of the Klein–Nishina cross section with increasing electron energy for inverse Compton scattering of cosmic ray electrons on optical photons. The theoretical spectrum is compared with experimental data and it is found that it fits the data very well. The consequences of the spectral behavior are discussed with regard to the propagation of cosmic ray electrons in the Galaxy.

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