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Mechanism for strong shock electron heating in supernova remnants

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/185170· OSTI ID:7137806
It is shown that collisionless shock waves propagating away from a supernova may be directly responsible for the 10 keV X-ray emission seen in supernova remnants. A sequence of plasma instabilities (Buneman and ion acoustic) between the reflected and/or transmitted ions and the background electrons at the foot of the shock front can give rise to rapid anomalous heating of electrons. Hybrid simulations of a perpendicular collisionless shock are presented to demonstrate that this heating can arise within a self-consistently computed shock structure. 15 references.
Research Organization:
Maryland Univ., College Park (USA)
OSTI ID:
7137806
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 329; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English