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Twisting Space-Time: Relativistic Origin of Seed Magnetic Field and Vorticity

S. M. Mahajan and Z. Yoshida
Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 095005 – Published 27 August 2010
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Abstract

We demonstrate that a purely ideal mechanism, originating in the space-time distortion caused by the demands of special relativity, can break the topological constraint (leading to helicity conservation) that would forbid the emergence of a magnetic field (a generalized vorticity) in an ideal nonrelativistic dynamics. The new mechanism, arising from the interaction between the inhomogeneous flow fields and inhomogeneous entropy, is universal and can provide a finite seed even for mildly relativistic flows.

  • Figure
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  • Received 22 April 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.095005

© 2010 The American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Cosmic question

Published 10 September 2010

Where do cosmic magnetic fields come from?

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Authors & Affiliations

S. M. Mahajan1 and Z. Yoshida2

  • 1Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
  • 2Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan

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Issue

Vol. 105, Iss. 9 — 27 August 2010

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