Relativistically-strong electromagnetic waves in magnetized plasmas

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Author: Lyutikov, Maxim
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Lyutikov, Maxim
author_facet Lyutikov, Maxim
contents Using a two-fluid approach, we consider the properties of relativistically nonlinear (arbitrary $a_0$), circularly polarized \EM\ waves propagating along magnetic field in electron-ion and pair plasmas. Dispersion relations depend on how wave intensity scales with frequency, $a_0 (ω)$. For superluminal branches, the nonlinear effects reduce the cut-off frequency, while the general form of the dispersion relations $ω(k)$ remains similar to the linear case. For subluminal waves, whistlers and Alfven, a new effect appears: dispersion curves effectively terminate at finite $ω^\ast - k^\ast$, where the group velocity becomes zero. Qualitatively, subluminal modes with fluctuating electric field larger than the guide field, $E_w (ω) \geq B_0$, cannot propagate. In extended systems, e.g., within magnetospheres of neutron stars, this leads to opening of the magnetosphere by a strong wave.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2509_17245
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Relativistically-strong electromagnetic waves in magnetized plasmas
Lyutikov, Maxim
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Plasma Physics
Using a two-fluid approach, we consider the properties of relativistically nonlinear (arbitrary $a_0$), circularly polarized \EM\ waves propagating along magnetic field in electron-ion and pair plasmas. Dispersion relations depend on how wave intensity scales with frequency, $a_0 (ω)$. For superluminal branches, the nonlinear effects reduce the cut-off frequency, while the general form of the dispersion relations $ω(k)$ remains similar to the linear case. For subluminal waves, whistlers and Alfven, a new effect appears: dispersion curves effectively terminate at finite $ω^\ast - k^\ast$, where the group velocity becomes zero. Qualitatively, subluminal modes with fluctuating electric field larger than the guide field, $E_w (ω) \geq B_0$, cannot propagate. In extended systems, e.g., within magnetospheres of neutron stars, this leads to opening of the magnetosphere by a strong wave.
title Relativistically-strong electromagnetic waves in magnetized plasmas
topic High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Plasma Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.17245