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Extreme particle acceleration in astrophysical plasmas: from simulations to observations via laboratory experiments

Frederico Fiuza

Quarta-feira, 2 de Março de 2022 das 16:00 às 18:00
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PA1, Pavilhão de Matemática

Abstract:
Astrophysical plasmas are extraordinary particle accelerators, from supernova remnants to the relativistic jets that emanate from supermassive black holes and produce very-high-energy cosmic rays and shine across the electromagnetic spectrum. The mechanisms behind these cosmic accelerators remain a long-standing mystery. They are thought to be associated with basic plasma processes, including collisionless shocks and magnetic reconnection, that control energy dissipation in these systems. These processes involve a complex and nonlinear interplay between the dynamics of flows, magnetic fields, and nonthermal particles that is not yet well understood and affects the observational manifestations of the astrophysical environments. I will discuss how the fast progress in computational and experimental capabilities is creating unique opportunities to push the boundaries of our understanding of the dominant particle acceleration mechanisms by allowing detailed kinetic modeling of different plasma processes and controlled laboratory experiments that can help validate these models.

Short Bio:
Frederico Fiuza is a Senior Staff Scientist and the Theory Group Leader at the High Energy Density Science division at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. He obtained his PhD degree in Plasma Physics from Instituto Superior Tecnico, Portugal, in 2012. He then became a Lawrence Postdoctoral Fellow at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory between 2012 and 2015, before joining SLAC. His research interests span a wide range of topics in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas, including particle acceleration, magnetic field amplification, collisionless shocks, and magnetic reconnection. Recently, Fiuza's work on laboratory astrophysics was recognized with the 2018 APS Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research and the 2020 APS John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research. He has also been awarded the Lawrence Fellowship in 2012, the European Physical Society PhD Research Award in 2013, and the DOE Early Career Research Program Award in 2017.