TeV Gamma-Ray Absorption and the Intergalactic Infrared Background

Abstract

In this paper, I will take a synoptic approach to determining the intergalactic infrared radiation field (IIRF). This approach draws on both the multi-TeV gamma-ray observations and the infrared background observations and relates them via the semi-empirical modelling method of Malkan and Stecker. I discuss the evidence for an intergalactic infrared background obtained by an analysis of the HEGRA observations of the high energy gamma-ray spectrum of Mrk 501 and from constraints from Mrk 421 deduced from the Whipple air Cherenkov telescope results. I will show that this evidence is in accord with the predictions made by Malkan and Stecker for the intergalactic infrared spectral energy distribution produced by galaxies. The Malkan-Stecker predictions are also in excellent agreement with mid- and far infrared galaxy counts. However, there may be potential problems relating these predictions with the results of the analysis of COBE-DIRBE far infrared data. The gamma-ray and COBE-DIRBE observations may also need to be reconciled. I will discuss possible ways to resolve this situation including a partial nullification of the $γ$-ray absorption process which can hypothetically occur if Lorentz invariance is broken.