Magnetic fields in the large-scale structure of the universe

Magnetic fields appear to be ubiquitous in astrophysical environments. Their existence in the intracluster medium is established through observations of synchrotron emission and Faraday rotation. On the other hand, the nature of magnetic fields outside of clusters, where observations are scarce and controversial, remains largely unknown. In this chapter, we review recent developments in our understanding of the nature and origin of intergalactic magnetic fields, and in particular, intercluster fields. A plausible scenario for the origin of galactic and intergalactic magnetic fields is for seed fields, created in the early universe, to be amplified by turbulent flows induced during the formation of the large scale structure.We present several mechanisms for the generation of seed fields both before and after recombination.We then discuss the evolution and role of magnetic fields during the formation of the first starts. We describe the turbulent amplification of seed fields during the formation of large scale structure and the nature of the magnetic fields that arise. Finally, we discuss implications of intergalactic magnetic fields. Fields were amplified by the turbulent ow motions induced during the formation of the large-scale structure (LSS) of the universe. Here, we first present several mechanisms which were suggested to create seed fields before or after recombination, and then discuss the evolution and role of magnetic fields during the first star formation. We then describe the turbulent amplification of seed fields during the formation of the LSS of the universe and the resulting magnetic fields in the IGM. Finally, we discuss implications of the magnetic fields in the IGM.

@article{id1616,
  author = {Ryu, D. and Schleicher, D. R. G. and Treumann, R. A. and Tsagas, C. G. and Widrow, L. M.},
  doi = {10.1007/s11214-011-9839-z},
  journal = {Space Science Reviews},
  language = {en},
  note = {Large-scale magnetic structure, magnetic field generation, turbulence},
  pages = {35},
  title = {Magnetic fields in the large-scale structure of the universe},
  volume = {158},
  year = {2011},
}

%O Journal Article
%A Ryu, D.
%A Schleicher, D. R. G.
%A Treumann, R. A.
%A Tsagas, C. G.
%A Widrow, L. M.
%R 10.1007/s11214-011-9839-z
%J Space Science Reviews
%G en
%O Large-scale magnetic structure, magnetic field generation, turbulence
%P 35
%T Magnetic fields in the large-scale structure of the universe
%V 158
%D 2011