Eigenmodes in an ultra-relativistic ultra-magnetized pair QED-plasma

TL;DR

This paper investigates how ultra-strong magnetic fields and relativistic temperatures modify plasma wave modes in ultra-relativistic electron-positron QED plasmas, revealing reduced plasma frequency cutoff and altered electromagnetic wave propagation.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the joint effects of super-strong magnetic fields and relativistic temperatures on plasma modes in ultra-relativistic QED plasmas, highlighting new modifications to plasma transparency and wave refraction.

Findings

Reduction of plasma frequency cutoff leading to relativistic transparency

Temperature-independent change in electromagnetic wave index of refraction

Modification effects observed in both charge neutral and non-neutral plasmas

Abstract

Ultra-relativistic quantum-electrodynamic (QED) plasmas, characterized by magnetic field strengths approaching and even exceeding the Schwinger field of approximately $B_{Q} \approx 4 \times 10^{13}$ gauss, hold significant interest for laser-plasma experiments and astrophysical observations of neutron stars and magnetars. In this study, we investigate the joint modification of normal plasma modes in ultra-relativistic electron-positron plasmas, both charge neutral and non-neutral, by the super-strong magnetic field and plasma relativistic temperature. Our analysis shows that the most substantial modification concerns the reduction of the plasma frequency cutoff, resulting in relativistic and field-induced transparency. Additionally, we observe a temperature-independent modification of the index of refraction of electromagnetic waves, which coincides with the behavior observed in a cold QED plasma.