Particle Acceleration at Relativistic Shocks and Current Sheets
Abstract
Simple kinematic theories of particle acceleration at relativistic shocks lead to the prediction of a high-energy spectral index of -1.1 for the energy flux of synchrotron photons. However, several effects can change this picture. In this paper I discuss this theory briefly and mention recent developments concerning shock formation and magnetic field generation. An additional mechanism must operate at lower energy and current sheets present a possible alternative acceleration site; I summarize some recent work on the relativistic version of these objects.
- Publication:
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X-Ray and Radio Connections
- Pub Date:
- April 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005xrrc.procE1.01K
- Keywords:
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- X-ray;
- radio;
- particle acceleration