Interaction between electrostatic collisionless shocks generates strong magnetic fields

The head-on collision between electrostatic shocks is studied via multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. A strong magnetic field develops after the interaction, which causes the shock velocities to drop significantly. This transverse magnetic field is generated by the Weibel instability, which is driven by pressure anisotropies due to longitudinal electron heating while the shocks approach each other. The possibility to explore the physics underpinning the shock collision in the laboratory with current laser facilities is discussed.

Automated summary

This study investigates the head-on collision between electrostatic shocks using multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It is found that a strong magnetic field develops after the interaction, leading to a significant drop in shock velocities. This transverse magnetic field is generated by the Weibel instability driven by pressure anisotropies due to longitudinal electron heating during the shock approach.