Globular clusters as gamma ray sources

Abstract

There are indications now that globular clusters contain a large number of low magnetic field millisecond pulsars. Since millisecond pulsars are expected to emit γ -rays due to curvature radiation, it is likely that globular clusters will themselves be sources of γ -rays bright enough to be detectable by present day instruments. Using the expression derived by Scharlemann, Arons & Fawley (1978) of the energy acquired by the electrons moving along the open magnetic field lines of the pulsars we have calculated the likely luminosity of γ -rays from globular clusters. We discuss our results in the light of the calculations reported in the literature based on some of the other models.