Improved Bethe-Heitler formula

Abstract

The Bethe-Heitler formula describes bremsstrahlung and it's a typical and important example in quantum electromagnetic dynamics (QED). This formula is widely applied in many branches of physics and astrophysics. We find that the integrated bremsstrahlung cross section at the static approximation and high energy limit has an unexpected big increment, which is missed by previous bremsstrahlung theory. This anomalous effect also exists in electron-positron pair creation. We derive the relating formulas and point out that electromagnetic cascades at the top of atmosphere can test this effect.

Comments: 35 pages, 8 figures. A reviwed version and the title is changed. Accepted for publication on NPB