Inverse Compton Scenarios for the TeV Gamma-Ray Emission of the Galactic Center

Abstract

The intense Compton cooling of ultrarelativistic electrons in the Klein-Nishina regime in radiation-dominated environments, such as that found in the Galactic center, may result in radically different electron spectra than those produced by synchrotron cooling. We explore these effects and their impact on the X-ray and γ-ray spectra produced in electron accelerators in this region in comparison to elsewhere in our Galaxy. We discuss the broadband emission expected from the newly discovered pulsar wind nebula G359.95-0.04 and the possible relationship of this X-ray source to the central TeV γ-ray source HESS J1745-290. Finally, we discuss the possible relationship of the Galactic center INTEGRAL source IGR J1745.6-2901 to the TeV emission.