The role of Compton and Raman scattering in the quasar continuum

Abstract

There are three ways in which an electromagnetic wave can undergo scattering in a plasma: (1) when the scattering of radiation occurs by a single electron, it is called Compton Scattering; (2) if it occurs by a longitudinal electron plasma mode, it is called Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS); and (3) if it occurs by a highly damped electron plasma mode, it is called Stimulated Compton Scattering (SCS). The nonthermal continuum of quasars is believed to be produced through the combined action of synchrotron and inverse Compton processes, which are essentially single-particle processes. The role of SRS and SCS in the generation of continuum radiation from these compact objects is investigated. It is shown as an example that the complete spectrum of 3C 273 can be reproduced by suitably combining SCS and SRS. The differential contributions of SCS and SRS under different values of the plasma parameters are also calculated.