Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998aps..dpp.b1m02t&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, Division of Plasma Physics Meeting, November 16-20, 1998 New Orleans, LA, abstract #B1M.02
Physics
Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Gamma ray bursts are very unusual astrophysical events, emanating some 10^51 erg/sec. or more at cosmological distances. This phenomenon challenges both astronomy and physics. A prevailing model for this is a merger of two neutron stars. Although this model makes much sense, it also presents several difficulties. We suggest that the mechanical shocks created by the merger in the presence of neutron star magnetic fields can be efficiently converted into Alfvenic shocks (or large shear Alfven waves). We show that these shocks can be mode-converted into high-phase-velocity EM waves, which in turn effectively accelerate particles to high energies. This mechanism is capable of resolving many mysteries associated with the above model. We point out that this paradigm connects with the on-going laser acceleration efforts in which similar processes may be seen. We draw a direction in which such laboratory experiments of laser acceleration for relativistic astrophysics may be carried out. Work supported by DoE, NSF and NASA.
Tajima Toshi
Takahashi Yoshiyuki
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