X-ray bursting neutron star atmosphere models using an exact relativistic kinetic equation for Compton scattering

Understand

Theoretical spectra of X-ray bursting neutron star (NS) model atmospheres are widely used to determine the basic NS parameters such as their masses and radii.

• We construct accurate NS atmosphere models using for the first time an exact treatment of Compton scattering via the integral relativistic kinetic equation.
• We also compare the results with the previous calculations based on the Kompaneets operator.
• We solve the radiation transfer equation together with the hydrostatic equilibrium equation accounting exactly for the radiation pressure by electron scattering.