Unplugging the universe: the neglected electromagnetic consequence of decoupling

Diver, D.A. and Teodoro, L.F.A. (2008) Unplugging the universe: the neglected electromagnetic consequence of decoupling. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 385(1), L73-L77. (doi: 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2008.00436.x)

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Abstract

<p>This Letter concentrates on the non-equilibrium evolution of magnetic field structures at the onset of recombination, when the charged particle current densities decay as neutrals are formed.</p> <p>We consider the effect that a decaying magnetic flux has on the acceleration of particles via the transient induced electric field. Since the residual charged-particle number density is small as a result of decoupling, we will consider the magnetic and electric fields essentially to be imposed, neglecting the feedback from any minority accelerated population.</p> <p>We find that the electromagnetic treatment of this phase transition can produce energetic electrons scattered throughout the Universe. Such particles could have a significant effect on cosmic evolution in several ways: (i) their presence could influence the overall physics of the recombination era; and (ii) a population of energetic particles might lend a Coulomb contribution to localized gravitational collapse.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Teodoro, Dr Luis and Diver, Professor Declan
Authors: Diver, D.A., and Teodoro, L.F.A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0035-8711
ISSN (Online):1365-2966

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
465931Solar, stellar and cosmological plasmas: a synthesis of data, modelling and theory.Declan DiverScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/F002149/1Physics and Astronomy