Laboratory Simulations of Bow Shocks and Magnetospheres

Authors: Horton, W.¹; Chiu, C.²; Ditmire, T.²

Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 298, Numbers 1-2, July 2005 , pp. 395-401(7)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Laboratory experiments using a plasma wind generated by laser-target interaction are proposed and analyzed to investigate the creation of a shock in front of the magnetosphere and the dynamo mechanism. The proposed experiments and simulations are thought to be relevant to understanding the electron acceleration mechanisms at work in shock-driven magnetic dipole confined plasma in compact magnetized stars.

Keywords: magnetospheres; bow shocks; compact magnetized stars; laser blow-off plasmas

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10509-005-3981-6

Affiliations: 1: Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas, Austin, TX, U.S.A., Email: horton@physics.utexas.edu 2: Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas, Austin, TX, U.S.A.,

Publication date: 2005-07-01