Abstract

Electron energization process in high Mach number, quasi‐perpendicular collisionless shocks is investigated by means of particle‐in‐cell simulations. We find energetic electrons are generated within the shock transition region through two different acceleration mechanisms. First, electrons are accelerated via shock surfing acceleration at the leading edge of the shock transition region. This energization is so strong that the significant fraction of electrons escapes from the loss cone. Because of this, the energetic electrons are further accelerated by shock drift acceleration and preferentially reflected back upstream.

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