Particle simulation of an ultrarelativistic two-stream instability
2005Citations per year
Abstract: (APS)
A two-stream instability in an unmagnetized plasma is examined by a particle-in-cell simulation. Each beam initially consists of cold electrons and protons that stream at a relative Lorentz factor 100. This is representative for plasma close to the external shocks of gamma-ray bursts. An electrostatic wave develops which saturates by trapping electrons. This wave collapses and the resulting electrostatic turbulence gives an electron momentum distribution that resembles a power law with a spectral break. Some electrons reach Lorentz factors over 1000.- 98.70.Sa
- 52.65.Rr
- 52.35.Fp
- electron: cosmic radiation
- p: cosmic radiation
- plasma: stability
- shell model: relativistic
- magnetic field
- gamma ray: burst
- shock waves: external
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