Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Magnetized shocks mediated by radiation from leptonic and hadronic processes

    Shunke Ai* and Irene Tamborra†

    • *Contact author: shunke.ai@nbi.ku.dk
    • †Contact author: tamborra@nbi.ku.dk

    Phys. Rev. D 113, 083049 – Published 29 April, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4nlw-hgl8

    Abstract

    Shocks in astrophysical transients are key sites of particle acceleration. If the shock upstream is optically thick, radiation smoothens the velocity discontinuity at the shock (radiation-mediated shocks). However, in mildly magnetized outflows, a collisionless subshock can form, enhancing the efficiency of particle acceleration. We solve the hydrodynamic equations of a steady-state, radiation-mediated shock together with the radiative transfer equations accounting for electron and proton acceleration. Our goal is to explore the impact of the magnetic field and nonthermal radiation on the shock structure and the resulting spectral distribution of photons. To this purpose, we assume a relativistic upstream fluid velocity (Γu=10) and investigate shock configurations with variable upstream magnetization (σu=0, 10−8, 10−4, 0.1, and 0.3). We find that synchrotron self-absorption alters the shock profile for σu≳10−8, with resulting changes up to 100% in the bulk Lorentz factor at the shock; for σu≳0.1, a prominent subshock forms. The spectral energy distributions of upstream- and downstream-going photons are also altered. Radiative processes linked to accelerated protons are responsible for a high-energy (≳10  GeV) tail in the photon spectrum; however, the radiation flux and pressure are negligibly affected with consequent minor impact on the shock structure. Our work highlights the importance of coupling the shock hydrodynamics to the transport of photons, electrons, protons, and intermediate particles to forecast the multimessenger emission from astrophysical transients.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation