Magnetowave Induced Plasma Wakefield Acceleration for Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates through simulations that magnetowave induced plasma wakefield acceleration (MPWA) can feasibly accelerate cosmic particles to ultra high energies in astrophysical environments, supporting gamma-ray bursts as potential sources.

Contribution

First simulation validation of MPWA as a mechanism for ultra high energy cosmic ray acceleration in astrophysical outflows.

Findings

Simulation confirms viability of MPWA for UHECR acceleration.

High coherence of plasma wakefield over macroscopic distances.

Potential link between gamma-ray bursts and ZeV cosmic rays.

Abstract

Magnetowave induced plasma wakefield acceleration (MPWA) in a relativistic astrophysical outflow has been proposed as a viable mechanism for the acceleration of cosmic particles to ultra high energies. Here we present simulation results that clearly demonstrate the viability of this mechanism for the first time. We invoke the high frequency and high speed whistler mode for the driving pulse. The plasma wakefield so induced validates precisely the theoretical prediction. We show that under appropriate conditions, the plasma wakefield maintains very high coherence and can sustain high-gradient acceleration over a macroscopic distance. Invoking gamma ray burst (GRB) as the source, we show that MPWA production of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) beyond ZeV 10^21 eV is possible.