Simple reactor model of relativistic runaway electron avalanche development

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple reactor model with two electric-field regions in thunderstorms that can sustain and amplify relativistic runaway electron avalanches, explaining observed gamma-ray phenomena like TGFs.

Contribution

It proposes a novel simple reactor model demonstrating self-sustaining RREAs through feedback between two electric-field regions in thunderstorms.

Findings

Reactor feedback can make RREAs self-sustaining.

Model spectrum matches TGF observations.

The model explains gamma-ray amplification in thunderstorms.

Abstract

High-energy gamma radiation in the Earth's atmosphere is associated with the bremsstrahlung of Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREA) developing in thunderstorm electric fields. In this paper, RREA development is studied in the system of two strong electric-field regions within thunderstorms, which accelerate runaway electrons toward each other. Such a system is called the simple reactor. It is discovered that the propagation of gamma rays and runaway electrons from one region to another leads to positive feedback. This feedback called the reactor feedback can make RREA self-sustaining, thus effectively multiplying high-energy particles inside thunderstorms containing the simple reactor. The spectrum and characteristic time scale of the simple reactor gamma radiation are in agreement with Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) data. The applicability of the simple reactor model to TGF is discussed, and the distinguishing observable properties of the simple reactor radiation during TGF and Thunderstorm Ground Enhancement are considered.