Electron energization in upstream of collisionless electron/ion shocks produced by interpenetrating plasmas

TL;DR

This paper investigates how electrons gain energy in the upstream region of relativistic electron-ion shocks through interactions with self-generated magnetic vortices, using particle-in-cell simulations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of magnetic vortices in electron energization in relativistic shocks, a novel insight into shock physics.

Findings

Electrons interact with magnetic vortices to gain energy.

Magnetic vortices are self-generated in the upstream region.

Particle-in-cell simulations reveal significant electron energization.

Abstract

We discuss the mechanism of electron energization in the upstream region of relativistic e/i shock. By using particle-in-cell simulations, we demonstrate the electrons interacting with enhanced electric and magnetic fields of the magnetic vortices (MVs) can gain a significant amount of energy during interaction. MVs are self generated in the upstream region of relativistic electron-ion shock.