Frequency distribution and total cross-section of synchro-Compton radiation in a linearly polarized plane vacuum wave of arbitrary intensity

By standard asymptotic techniques, the frequency distribution and the total scattering cross-section of synchro-Compton radiation in a linearly polarized plane vacuum wave of arbitrary intensity are derived. A comparison of this approximate total cross-section with the corresponding exact one from Larmor's formula reveals an excellent agreement. This demonstrates the potential of the methods employed for calculating the spectral details of the radiation emitted by violently accelerated charges in physical settings more general than the synchro-Compton process. The astrophysical implications of this are discussed.