On the role of wave-particle interactions in the macroscopic dynamics of collisionless plasmas

TL;DR

This paper discusses how small-scale wave-particle interactions influence large-scale processes in collisionless plasmas, such as Earth's radiation belts and shock waves, potentially accelerating particles to high energies.

Contribution

It highlights the significance of electromagnetic waves in macroscopic plasma dynamics and encourages further research into their role in particle acceleration.

Findings

Wave-particle interactions can accelerate particles to cosmic-ray energies.

Small-scale electromagnetic waves significantly impact large-scale plasma behavior.

The study emphasizes the importance of these interactions in Earth's radiation belts and shock waves.

Abstract

Here we present a commentary on the role of small-scale (e.g., few tens of meters) wave-particle interactions in large-scale (e.g., few tens of kilometers) processes and their capacity to accelerate particles from thermal to suprathermal or even to cosmic-ray energies. The purpose of this commentary is to provoke thought and further investigation into the relative importance of electromagnetic waves in the global dynamics of many macroscopic systems. We specifically focus on the terrestrial radiation belts and collisionless shock waves as examples.