Formation of filaments in supernova remnants

Abstract

A new mechanism of plasma condensation into filaments associated with collisions of shock waves in the expanding shell of a supernova is considered. The electron gas behind the refracted fronts, losing energy through excitation of heavy ions and their de-excitation, is compressed. The resulting electric polarization field stimulates energy transfer between the components of the plasma. The condensation process continues until the formation of ions that generate relatively soft x rays.