Multiple inverse Compton scattering and the diffuse x-ray component

It is shown that, when multiple scattering is taken into account, the spectrum of inverse Compton produced X-radiation is different from the single-scatter spectrum. In particular, the -ray fluxes in the 1-10 MeV region can increase by a factor of about 3 over the single-scatter spectrum. The significance of this result with respect to the diffuse cosmic X-ray flux is discussed. Subject headings: atomic processes - cosmic background radiation - X-rays