Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: When multiple species interact with an electrostatic ion acoustic wave, they can exchange momentum, despite the lack of momentum in the field itself. The resulting force on the electrons can have a curl, and thus give rise to compensating electric fields with curl on magnetohydrodynamic timescales. As a result, a magnetic field can be generated. Surprisingly, in some astrophysical settings, this mechanism can seed magnetic fields with growth rates even larger than through the traditional Biermann battery.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
Authors: Ian E. Ochs, Nathaniel J. Fisch
Institution: Princeton University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3047697828