arXiv subjects

Shuzhe Zeng

Publications and source records attributed to Shuzhe Zeng.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Modeling of Relativistic Plasmas with a Conservative Discontinuous Galerkin Method

We present a new method for solving the relativistic Vlasov--Maxwell system of equations, applicable to a wide range of extreme high-energy-density astrophysical and laboratory environments. The method directly discretizes the kinetic equation on a high-dimensional phase-space grid using a discontinuous Galerkin finite element approach, yielding a high-order, conservative numerical scheme that is free from the Poisson noise inherent to traditional Monte-Carlo methods. A novel and flexible velocity-space mapping technique enables the efficient treatment of the wide range of energy scales characteristic of relativistic plasmas, including QED pair-production discharges, instabilities in strongly magnetized plasmas surrounding neutron stars, and relativistic magnetic reconnection. Our noise-free approach is capable of providing unique insight into plasma dynamics, enabling detailed analysis of electromagnetic emission and fine-scale phase-space structure.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Origin of Pulsed Radio Emission from Magnetars

Extended periods of radio pulsations have been observed for six magnetars, displaying characteristics different from those of ordinary pulsars. In this Letter, we argue that radio emission is generated in a closed, twisted magnetic flux bundle originating near the magnetic pole and extending beyond 100 km from the magnetar. The electron-positron flow in the twisted bundle has to carry electric current and, at the same time, experiences a strong drag by the radiation field of the magnetar. This combination forces the plasma into a ``radiatively locked'' state with a sustained two-stream instability, generating radio emission. We demonstrate this mechanism using novel first-principles simulations that follow the plasma behavior by solving the relativistic Vlasov equation with the discontinuous Galerkin method. First, using one-dimensional simulations, we demonstrate how radiative drag induces the two-stream instability, sustaining turbulent electric fields. When extended to two dimensions, the system produces electromagnetic waves, including superluminal modes capable of escaping the magnetosphere. We measure their frequency and emitted power, and incorporate the local simulation results into a global magnetospheric model. The model explains key features of observed radio emission from magnetars: its appearance after an X-ray outburst, wide pulse profiles, luminosities $\sim 10^{30}{\rm{erg/s}}$, and a broad range of frequencies extending up to $\sim 100\, \mathrm{GHz}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Linear Analysis and Simulations of the Cosmic-Ray Streaming Instability: the Importance of Oblique Waves

Cosmic-ray (CR) streaming instability (CRSI) is believed to play an important role in CR transport and CR feedback to galaxies. It drives the growth of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves that scatter CRs, and leads to energy/momentum exchange between CRs and interstellar medium. Despite extensive research on CRSI, its dependence on the thermodynamic state of the gas and its multidimensional effects have not been systematically studied. In this study, we derive the dispersion relation of the CRSI for three types of MHD waves including their dependence on propagation direction and plasma $\beta$ (the ratio of thermal pressure to magnetic pressure). We verify the analytical dispersion relation with one-dimensional and two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic particle-in-cell simulations. Furthermore, we use 2D simulations to investigate the role of oblique MHD waves in scattering CRs, and find that these waves are important in helping low-energy particles overcome the 90-degree pitch angle barrier. While magnetosonic waves tend to be damped by transit time damping under typical conditions, oblique Alfv\'en waves likely play an important role in low-$\beta$ plasmas.

astro-ph.HE↗