Ring momentum distributions as a general feature of Vlasov dynamics in the synchrotron dominated regime

Abstract

We study how radiation reaction leads plasmas initially in kinetic equilibrium to develop features in momentum space, such as anisotropies and population inversion, resulting in a ring-shaped momentum distribution that can drive kinetic instabilities. We employ the Landau–Lifshiftz radiation reaction model for a plasma in a strong magnetic field, and we obtain the necessary condition for the development of population inversion; we show that isotropic Maxwellian and Maxwell–Jüttner plasmas, with thermal temperature T>mec2/3, will develop a ring-like momentum distribution. The timescales and features for forming ring-shaped momentum distributions, the effect of collisions, and non-uniform magnetic fields are discussed and compared with typical astrophysical and laboratory plasmas parameters. Our results show the pervasiveness of ring-like momentum distribution functions in synchrotron dominated plasma conditions.