Gamma photons from parametric resonance in neutron stars

Abstract

Shock waves in cold nuclear matter, e.g. those induced by a collision of two neutron stars, can generate a large number of gamma photons via parametric resonance. We study the resonant production of gamma rays inside a shocked neutron star and discuss the possible astrophysical consequences of this phenomenon.

Comments: 5 pages, ReVTeX, 5 figures inserted with epsf; replaced with a final version (minor changes)