Generating vorticity and magnetic fields in plasmas in general relativity: spacetime curvature drive

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new general relativistic mechanism for generating seed vorticity and magnetic fields in plasmas, driven by spacetime curvature and plasma thermodynamics, with potential astrophysical implications.

Contribution

It presents a novel spacetime curvature driven 'battery' mechanism for seed magnetic field generation in plasmas within general relativity, extending previous models.

Findings

Mechanism driven by gravity and plasma thermodynamics interaction.

Evaluated in black hole accretion and near-horizon free fall scenarios.

Potential astrophysical applications suggested.

Abstract

Using the generally covariant magnetofluid formalism for a hot plasma, a new spacetime curvature driven mechanism for generating seed vorticity/magnetic field is presented. The ``battery'' owes its origin to the interaction between gravity and the inhomogeneous plasma thermodynamics. The general relativistic drive is evaluated for two simple cases: seed formation in a simplified model of a hot plasma accreting in stable orbits around a Schwarzschild black hole, and for particles in free fall near the horizon. Some astrophysical applications are suggested.