Diffusive shock acceleration at laser driven shocks: studying cosmic-ray accelerators in the laboratory

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for laboratory experiments using laser-driven shocks to replicate diffusive shock acceleration, a key process believed to produce cosmic rays in astrophysical environments.

Contribution

It demonstrates that current laser facilities can potentially confirm diffusive shock acceleration of electrons in laboratory settings, bridging astrophysics and plasma physics.

Findings

Laser facilities may fulfill criteria for shock acceleration experiments

Laboratory reproduction of Fermi acceleration is feasible

Insights into cosmic ray sources can be gained from lab studies

Abstract

The non-thermal particle spectra responsible for the emission from many astrophysical systems are thought to originate from shocks via a first order Fermi process otherwise known as diffusive shock acceleration. The same mechanism is also widely believed to be responsible for the production of high energy cosmic rays. With the growing interest in collisionless shock physics in laser produced plasmas, the possibility of reproducing and detecting shock acceleration in controlled laboratory experiments should be considered. The various experimental constraints that must be satisfied are reviewed. It is demonstrated that several currently operating laser facilities may fulfil the necessary criteria to confirm the occurrence of diffusive shock acceleration of electrons at laser produced shocks. Successful reproduction of Fermi acceleration in the laboratory could open a range of possibilities, providing insight into the complex plasma processes that occur near astrophysical sources of cosmic rays.