Diamagnetic Relativistic Pulse Accelerator, Gamma-Ray Bursts and Cosmology

William Marsh Rice University, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0406882 Liang Recent multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations of relativistic magnetized collisionless plasmas demonstrated a new robust particle energization mechanism, called the Diamagnetic Relativistic Pulse Accelerator (DRPA). Subsequent simulations suggest that DRPA reproduces many unique signatures of cosmic gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), including their diverse and complex light curves, spectra and spectral evolution. If confirmed, this new idea suggests that GRBs are caused by magnetic-dominated, rather than hydrodynamic, explosions. This research will expand and focus PIC simulations, to construct relations between observable GRB quantities and test them with astronomical data. Current and future GRB databases will then be used to investigate progenitor and cosmological questions, including the origin of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. This work will lead to new initiatives in particle acceleration, both cosmic and in the laboratory, and will stimulate new research on the interaction of ultra-strong magnetic fields with strong gravity in general relativity. PIC simulations can also be converted into attractive animation products for education and scientific entertainment.