The Biermann battery is a promising generation mechanism of a seed magnetic field in the universe. We propose a new driving mechanism for the Biermann battery in an inhomogeneous plasma with a beam component. An inhomogeneous electron flow induced by the return current can make an electron pressure gradient that is not parallel to the density gradient. As a result, the magnetic field is generated by the Biermann battery. We demonstrate the new generation mechanism of the magnetic field by conducting three-fluid plasma simulations. By this mechanism, the first cosmic rays can generate the seed magnetic field with astrophysical scales at redshift around 20.
CITATION STYLE
Ohira, Y. (2021). The Biermann Battery Driven by a Streaming Plasma. The Astrophysical Journal, 911(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abec41
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.