Self-discharge by Streaming Cosmic Rays

Abstract

A new nonthermal phenomenon caused by streaming cosmic rays (CRs) in the universe is proposed. The streaming CRs drive the return current of thermal electrons to compensate for the CR current. Then, electric fields are induced by the resistivity of the return current. It is shown that the resistive electric fields can accelerate secondary electrons generated by the streaming CRs. This is the self-discharge by streaming CRs. In this work, the self-discharge condition and the condition for runaway acceleration of secondary electrons are presented. The self-discharge creates high-energy secondary electrons, resulting in enhancements of ionization and nonthermal emission including the K α emission line of neutral iron. After the self-discharge, the return current of thermal electrons is replaced by the electric current of secondary electrons. Since some generation and amplification of magnetic fields are driven by the return current of thermal electrons, the self-discharge can significantly influence them.