Topical Issues for Particle Acceleration Mechanisms in Astrophysical Shocks |
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| Authors: | Matthew G Baring |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Physics and Astronomy MS-108, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX, 77251, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | Particle acceleration at plasma shocks appears to be ubiquitous in the universe, spanning systems in the heliosphere, supernova
remnants, and relativistic jets in distant active galaxies and gamma-ray bursts. This review addresses some of the key issues
for shock acceleration theory that require resolution in order to propel our understanding of particle energization in astrophysical
environments. These include magnetic field amplification in shock ramps, the non-linear hydrodynamic interplay between thermal
ions and their extremely energetic counterparts possessing ultrarelativistic energies, and the ability to inject and accelerate
electrons in both non-relativistic and relativistic shocks. Recent observational developments that impact these issues are
summarized. While these topics are currently being probed by astrophysicists using numerical simulations, they are also ripe
for investigation in laboratory experiments, which potentially can provide valuable insights into the physics of cosmic shocks. |
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| Keywords: | Shock acceleration Cosmic rays Magnetohydrodynamics Supernova remnants Gamma-ray bursts Plasma physics |
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