Observation of sub-relativistic collisionless shock generation and breakout dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Relativistic collisionless shocks, which are ubiquitous in the cosmos, play a significant role in various astrophysical phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts, PeVatrons, and supernova shock breakouts. Here we present a demonstration using a compact femtosecond laser system to generate sub-relativistic collisionless shocks (0.03c) under astrophysically relevant conditions. We attribute the shock formation to a rapidly growing Weibel instability in a precisely tuning low-density preplasma environment, which resembles the interstellar media near an astrophysical central engine. Owing to this Weibel instability, a 5000 Tesla magnetic field is developed within 2.7 ps, leading to the collisionless shock formation and subsequent breakout at the preplasma boundaries. This platform enables direct inve

SUBMITTER: Bai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037840 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature