Pulsar Wind Nebulae as High Energy Gamma-Ray Emitters

Abstract

There is growing evidence that some variable high-energy gamma-ray sources are associated with pulsar wind nebulae. We review the current status of X-ray and radio studies of the sources most likely to be significant emitters above 100 MeV. The assumption of the gamma-radiation arising from synchrotron processes puts a lower limit on the magnetic field and suggests there may be significant doppler boosting causing the asymmetries seen in the morphology of these nebulae. However, these sources are also in close proximity to molecular clouds, suggesting that variable gamma-ray emission may arise from a ram pressure confined pulsar wind nebula in a dense medium.