Large-scale magnetic field generation via the kinetic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in unmagnetized scenarios

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that the kinetic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in unmagnetized relativistic plasma flows can generate large-scale magnetic fields, influencing astrophysical phenomena like AGN and GRBs, through self-consistent 3D PIC simulations.

Contribution

First 3D PIC simulations of KHI in unmagnetized relativistic shear flows showing large-scale magnetic field generation from kinetic effects.

Findings

Generation of strong, large-scale DC magnetic fields extending over shear surfaces.

Magnetic fields reach equipartition levels up to 10^-3 of kinetic energy.

Magnetic structures produce distinct radiation signatures.

Abstract

Collisionless plasma instabilities are fundamental in magnetic field generation in astrophysical scenarios, but their role has been addressed in scenarios where velocity shear is absent. In this work we show that velocity shears must be considered when studying realistic astrophysical scenarios, since these trigger the collisionless Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI). We present the first self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of the KHI in conditions relevant for unmagnetized relativistic outflows with velocity shear, such as active galactic nuclei (AGN) and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We show the generation of a strong large-scale DC magnetic field, which extends over the entire shear-surface, reaching thicknesses of a few tens of electron skin depths, and persisting on time-scales much longer than the electron time scale. This DC magnetic field is not captured by MHD models since it arises from intrinsically kinetic effects. Our results indicate that the KHI can generate intense magnetic fields yielding equipartition values up to \epsilon_B/\epsilon_p ~ 10^-3 in the electron time-scale. The KHI-induced magnetic fields have a characteristic structure that will lead to a distinct radiation signature, and can seed the turbulent dynamo amplification process. The dynamics of the KHI are relevant for non-thermal radiation modeling and can also have a strong impact on the formation of relativistic shocks in presence of velocity shears.