Now The Secrets Of Sunsets Can Be Explored On Earth

Sunstorms, cosmic radiation and northern lights are well-known phenomena. Exactly how their enormous energy arises is not as well known. Now, physics researchers at Chalmers have found a new way to study these spectacular space plasma phenomena. The results recently published in the reputed journal Nature Communications.

"Now we can investigate what was previously impossible. For ten years, researchers have tried to take space phenomena to the ground so that we can learn more about how they occur. With our method, new opportunities are being opened, "said Longqing Yi, researcher at the Department of Physics at Chalmers.

It's all about so-called relativistic magnetic switching - the process that gives rise to the phenomenon. The switching causes amounts of energy bound in a magnetic field to suddenly be released and converted into motion energy and heat. In order for this to occur, it is necessary to meet with counter-magnetic fields. This interaction leads to violently accelerated plasma particles, which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye, for example in connection with a northern light.

Magnetic switching in space can also make it for us on earth. By creating solar storms that interfere with our communications satellites, the phenomena can affect both power grids and air traffic and telephony.

In order to imitate and study these spectacular space plasma phenomena in a laboratory, high power lasers are required that can create magnetic fields that are more than one million times stronger than those on the sun's surface. In his scientific article, Longqing Yi, together with Professor Tünde Fülöp, proposes an experiment in which the magnetic switching can be studied in a new and more accurate way. By using ultra short laser pulses, the correct effect can be achieved without the plasma being heated. Then the switch can be studied in a more purely manner - without affecting so much of the heat energy of the plasma. The proposed experiment will enable you to seek answers to basic questions in astrophysics.

"We hope this will inspire many research groups to make use of our results. There are now good opportunities to seek knowledge that may be useful in a number of areas. For example, we need to better understand solar storms that interfere with important communication systems. Knowledge is also needed to control instabilities caused by magnetic switching in fusion plants, "said Tünde Fülöp, professor at the Department of Physics at Chalmers.

The study on which the new results are based is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, within the framework of the project "Plasma-based compact ion sources" and the ERC project "Skena og skina".

About Chalmers
Chalmers researches and educates in engineering, science, shipping and architecture, with a sustainable future as an all-inclusive vision. Chalmers is renowned for its effective innovation environment and has eight strength areas of international dignity - Energy, Information and Communication Technology, Life Sciences and Technology, Materials Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Manufacturing, Public Building and Transport.

Graphene Flagship , one of the EU's first research initiatives in Future Emerging Technologies, is coordinated by Chalmers in Gothenburg. Chalmers has about 10,300 full-time students and 3,100 employees.