Can a Strong Radio Burst Escape the Magnetosphere of a Magnetar?

We examine the possibility that fast radio bursts (FRBs) are emitted inside the magnetosphere of a magnetar. On its way out, the radio wave must interact with a low-density e± plasma in the outer magnetosphere at radii R = 109–1010 cm. In this region, the magnetospheric particles have a huge cross section for scattering the wave. As a result, the wave strongly interacts with the magnetosphere and compresses it, depositing the FRB energy into the compressed field and the scattered radiation. The scattered spectrum extends to the γ-ray band and triggers e± avalanche, further boosting the opacity. These processes choke FRBs, disfavoring scenarios with a radio source confined at R ≪ 1010 cm. Observed FRBs can be emitted by magnetospheric flare ejecta transporting energy to large radii.