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Published on: February 2, 2012
Magnetic field generation from self-consistent collective neutrino-plasma interactions
1Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
Summary
This study presents a new fluid model for neutrino-plasma interactions, revealing how these interactions can generate magnetic fields and magnetic helicity.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Neutrino Physics
- Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Collective neutrino-plasma interactions are crucial in astrophysical phenomena.
- Existing models often simplify neutrino behavior.
- Understanding these interactions is key to astrophysical modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Lagrangian formalism for self-consistent neutrino-plasma interactions.
- To investigate magnetic field generation and helicity production.
- To incorporate finite-temperature effects in neutrino-plasma dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Describing each neutrino species as a classical ideal fluid.
- Deriving neutrino-plasma fluid equations from a covariant relativistic variational principle.
- Retaining finite-temperature effects within the formalism.
Main Results:
- A novel Lagrangian formalism for neutrino-plasma interactions was established.
- The study demonstrates the generation of magnetic fields via these interactions.
- The production of magnetic helicity resulting from collective effects was investigated.
Conclusions:
- The developed formalism provides a robust framework for studying neutrino-plasma dynamics.
- Collective neutrino-plasma interactions are a viable source of magnetic fields and helicity.
- This work advances our understanding of magnetized astrophysical environments.
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