Magnetoluminescence
Abstract
Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Blazars, Gamma Ray Bursts and Magnetars all contain regions where the electromagnetic energy density greatly exceeds the plasma energy density. These sources exhibit dramatic flaring activity where the electromagnetic energy distributed over large volumes, appears to be converted efficiently into high energy particles and γ -rays. We call this general process magnetoluminescence. Global requirements on the underlying, extreme particle acceleration processes are described and the likely importance of relativistic beaming in enhancing the observed radiation from a flare is emphasized. Recent research on fluid descriptions of unstable electromagnetic configurations are summarized and progress on the associated kinetic simulations that are needed to account for the acceleration and radiation is discussed. Future observational, simulation and experimental opportunities are briefly summarized.
- Publication:
-
Space Science Reviews
- Pub Date:
- July 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s11214-017-0376-2
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1705.02021
- Bibcode:
- 2017SSRv..207..291B
- Keywords:
-
- Plasmas;
- Acceleration of particles;
- Radiation mechanisms: non-thermal;
- Magnetic fields;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- To appear in "Jets and Winds in Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Gamma-ray Bursts and Blazars: Physics of Extreme Energy Release" of the Space Science Reviews series