Stochastic particle acceleration by the forced interaction of relativistic current sheets

Abstract

We address the problem of interacting relativistic current sheets in self-consistent kinetic plasma simulations within the framework of the Particle-In-Cell model. The interacdtion is enforced in head-on collisions of up to 10 current sheets at relativistic bulk speeds. The simulations are motivated by the general problem of Poynting flux dissipation in 'striped wind' configurations presumably governing the raltivistic outflows pervasive in pulsar winds and gamma-ray burst. We identify the generation of non-thermal particles and formation of a stable power.law shape in the particle energy distributions f(\gamma)d\gamma ~\gamma^{-s} d{\gamma}. In 1D a spectral index s=2 is observed and attributed to a stochastic Fermi-type acceleration mechanism. In 2D the generic cut-off is constrained by the limited dissipation of magnetic energy. In 1D the process converts the bulk motion of current sheet towards direced particle momentum of an exclusive class of nonthermal particles.

Further Information
http://esoads.eso.org/abs/2008AdSpR..41..481J
BibTeX
@article{id1043,
  author = {Jaroschek, C. H. and Hoshino, M. and Lesch, H. and Treumann, R. A.},
  doi = {10.1016/j.asr.2007.07.001},
  journal = {Advances in Space Research},
  language = {en},
  note = {Magnetic fields, Reconnection, Stars, Pulsars, Winds, Gamma-rays, Bursts, Particles, Non-thermal, Acceleration},
  number = {3},
  pages = {481-490},
  title = {Stochastic particle acceleration by the forced interaction of relativistic current sheets},
  url = {http://esoads.eso.org/abs/2008AdSpR..41..481J},
  volume = {41},
  year = {2008},
}
EndNote
%O Journal Article
%A Jaroschek, C. H.
%A Hoshino, M.
%A Lesch, H.
%A Treumann, R. A.
%R 10.1016/j.asr.2007.07.001
%J Advances in Space Research
%G en
%O Magnetic fields, Reconnection, Stars, Pulsars, Winds, Gamma-rays, Bursts, Particles, Non-thermal, Acceleration
%N 3
%P 481-490
%T Stochastic particle acceleration by the forced interaction of relativistic current sheets
%U http://esoads.eso.org/abs/2008AdSpR..41..481J
%V 41
%D 2008