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Reflection of X rays by neutron star Surfaces

Abstract

A neutron-star surface should act as a good reflector for photons up to hard X-ray energies, due to the high density of the magnetic surface matter. Reflectivities are high, especially in spectral bands above the plasma and cyclotron frequencies depending on the photon polarisation. X-ray reflection may be important for the beaming of the binary neutron star Her X-1 and similar objects.

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Lenzen, R., Trümper, J. Reflection of X rays by neutron star Surfaces. Nature 271, 216–220 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/271216a0

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