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Relativistic Magnetic reconnetion in Atrophysical Plasmas

Project description

Unlocking the mechanisms behind cosmic explosions

Black holes and neutron stars are surrounded by a hot gas of charged particles called plasma. This produces gamma-ray bursts and cosmic jets, but the physical processes driving them remain largely unknown. A crucial candidate is magnetic reconnection, where magnetic fields snap and rejoin, unleashing vast amounts of energy. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ReMAP project will use advanced computer simulations and analytical models to study how reconnection accelerates particles to near-light speeds and generates intense radiation. By uncovering these mechanisms, researchers will gain new insights into cosmic explosions and plasma physics.

Objective

Astrophysical compact objects like neutron stars and black holes are surrounded by a hot gas of charged particle known as plasma. In these environments, we observe powerful phenomena, including pulsar wind nebulae, jets, and gamma-ray bursts. The mechanisms behind particle acceleration and high-energy emissions, particularly magnetic reconnection, are not fully understood. Magnetic reconnection, where magnetic field lines break and reconnect, is believed to drive particle acceleration up to ultra-relativistic speeds, but its detailed dynamics remain largely unexplored.
Recent advancements in simulation techniques and observational capabilities make this an opportune moment to resolve key questions in high-energy plasma physics. This project will investigate relativistic magnetic reconnection and its role in particle acceleration and radiation production using advanced simulation methods, including Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations for kinetic modeling. The ECsim code will explore the initiation of magnetic reconnection, while the TRISTAN-v2 code will incorporate photon interactions and pair production. Alongside these simulations, an analytical model will be developed to predict reconnection timescales and verify the simulation results. These tools will study the onset of reconnection, particle trajectories, and the effects of radiative cooling, providing new insights into high-energy astrophysical processes.

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 200 400,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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