Relativistic Particle Transport and Acceleration in Structured Plasma Turbulence

We discuss the phenomenon of energization of relativistic charged particles in three-dimensional incompressible MHD turbulence and the diffusive properties of the motion of the same particles. We show that the random electric field induced by turbulent plasma motion leads test particles moving in a simulated box to be accelerated in a stochastic way, a second-order Fermi process. A small fraction of these particles happen to be trapped in large-scale structures, most likely formed due to the interaction of islands in the turbulence. Such particles get accelerated exponentially, provided their pitch angle satisfies some conditions. We discuss at length the characterization of the accelerating structure and the physical processes responsible for rapid acceleration. We also comment on the applicability of the results to realistic astrophysical turbulence.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the energization of relativistic charged particles in three-dimensional incompressible MHD turbulence and the diffusive properties of their motion. The results show that turbulent plasma motion induces a random electric field, leading to stochastic acceleration of test particles in a simulated box, developing a second-order Fermi process. Some particles are trapped in large-scale structures and experience exponential acceleration if certain conditions are met.