Magnetic Field Signatures Research Articles

Detecting deep axisymmetric toroidal magnetic fields in stars

Context. Asteroseismology has revealed small core-to-surface rotation contrasts in stars in the whole Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. This is the signature of strong transport of angular momentum (AM) in stellar interiors. One of the plausible candidates to efficiently carry AM is magnetic fields with various topologies that could be present in stellar radiative zones. Among them, strong axisymmetric azimuthal (toroidal) magnetic fields have received a lot of interest. Indeed, if they are subject to the so-called Tayler instability, the accompanying triggered Maxwell stresses can transport AM efficiently. In addition, the electromotive force induced by the fluctuations of magnetic and velocity fields could potentially sustain a dynamo action that leads to the regeneration of the initial strong axisymmetric azimuthal magnetic field. Aims. The key question we aim to answer is whether we can detect signatures of these deep strong azimuthal magnetic fields. The only way to answer this question is asteroseismology, and the best laboratories of study are intermediate-mass and massive stars with external radiative envelopes. Most of these are rapid rotators during their main sequence. Therefore, we have to study stellar pulsations propagating in stably stratified, rotating, and potentially strongly magnetised radiative zones, namely magneto-gravito-inertial (MGI) waves. Methods. We generalise the traditional approximation of rotation (TAR) by simultaneously taking general axisymmetric differential rotation and azimuthal magnetic fields into account. Both the Coriolis acceleration and the Lorentz force are therefore treated in a non-perturbative way. Using this new formalism, we derive the asymptotic properties of MGI waves and their period spacings. Results. We find that toroidal magnetic fields induce a shift in the period spacings of gravity (g) and Rossby (r) modes. An equatorial azimuthal magnetic field with an amplitude of the order of 105 G leads to signatures that are detectable in period spacings for high-radial-order g and r modes in γ Doradus (γ Dor) and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars. More complex hemispheric configurations are more difficult to observe, particularly when they are localised out of the propagation region of MGI modes, which can be localised in an equatorial belt. Conclusions. The magnetic TAR, which takes into account toroidal magnetic fields in a non-perturbative way, is derived. This new formalism allows us to assess the effects of the magnetic field in γ Dor and SPB stars on g and r modes. We find that these effects should be detectable for equatorial fields thanks to modern space photometry using observations from Kepler, TESS CVZ, and PLATO.

Signatures of superstrong magnetic fields in a limb solar flare from observations of the Hα line

We present signatures of the super-strong magnetic fields of almost 105 Gauss range in the limb solar flare of 14 July 2005 at the altitudes of 5 – 30 Mm during the post-peak phase of the flare. These features follow from the study of the Stokes V profile in the Hα line at large distances of 1.5 up to 4 Å from its center. A reliable circular polarization (till 1%) was found that changes its sign when crossing the line center. The profile of the polarization differs significantly from the intensity gradient profile dI/dλ, which indicates the strong magnetic field mode. If these features are interpreted as manifestations of the Zeeman effect, the corresponding magnetic field strength reaches ∼ 90 kG. Similar spectral manifestations were not found in another bright emission formation on the solar limb, namely in the active prominence of 24 July 1999. Theoretical analysis of the picture of the Zeeman effect for the case of such giant fields shows that the σ components of the Hα line should be quite narrow (∼0.2 Å) due to the Pashen-Back effect, despite the complex picture of the splitting of this line. Since the observed widths of the peaks of the Stokes V profiles are much wider, this may mean a certain dispersion of the magnetic field strengths in the flare, at which the maximum strengths can be even some greater than those indicated above.

Rotation measure and synchrotron emission signatures in simulations of magnetized galactic discs

ABSTRACT We analyse observational signatures of magnetic fields for simulations of a Milky Way-like disc with supernova-driven interstellar turbulence and self-consistent chemical processes. In particular, we post-process two simulations data sets of the SILCC Project for two initial amplitudes of the magnetic field, B0 = 3 and 6 μG, to study the evolution of Faraday rotation measures (RM) and synchrotron luminosity. For calculating the RM, three different models of the electron density ne are considered. A constant electron density, and two estimations based on the density of ionized species and the fraction of the total gas, respectively. Our results show that the RM profiles are extremely sensitive to the ne models, which assesses the importance of accurate electron distribution observations/estimations for the magnetic fields to be probed using Faraday RMs. As a second observable of the magnetic field, we estimate the synchrotron luminosity in the simulations using a semi-analytical cosmic ray model. We find that the synchrotron luminosity decreases over time, which is connected to the decay of magnetic energy in the simulations. The ratios between the magnetic, the cosmic ray, and the thermal energy density indicate that the assumption of equipartition does not hold for most regions of the ISM. In particular, for the ratio of the cosmic ray to the magnetic field energy the assumption of equipartition could lead to a wrong interpretation of the observed synchrotron emission.

Effect of Magnetic Field Dissipation on Primordial Li Abundance

Abstract The dissipation effects of primordial magnetic fields on the primordial elemental abundances were investigated. When a magnetic field reconnects, its energy is converted to the kinetic energy of charged particles, as observed for solar energetic particles arriving on Earth. This accelerates the cosmic background nuclei and energetic nuclei induce nonthermal reactions. A constraint on the dissipation is derived from a theoretical calculation of the nonthermal reactions during Big Bang nucleosynthesis. We found that observations of the Li and D abundances can be explained if 0.01%–0.1% of the cosmic energy density was utilized for nuclear acceleration after the electron–positron annihilation epoch. Reconnections of such amplitudes of magnetic fields generate outgoing jets, the bulk velocity of which evolves to values appropriate for cosmic-ray (CR) nuclear energies of 0.1–1 MeV necessary for successful CR nucleosynthesis. Therefore, acceleration of cosmic background nuclei during the dissipation of primordial magnetic fields is a possible generation mechanism of soft CRs that has been suggested as a solution to the cosmic Li problem. Among the solutions suggested without exotic physics, only the dissipating magnetic field model suggested here explains observations of both low Li and high D abundances. Our results demonstrate that signatures of strong magnetic fields in the early universe have been observed in primordial elemental abundances.

A radio polarization study of magnetic fields in the Small Magellanic Cloud

ABSTRACT Observing the magnetic fields of low-mass interacting galaxies tells us how they have evolved over cosmic time and their importance in galaxy evolution. We have measured the Faraday rotation of 80 extra-galactic radio sources behind the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) using the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) with a frequency range of 1.4–3.0 GHz. Both the sensitivity of our observations and the source density are an order-of-magnitude improvement on previous Faraday rotation measurements of this galaxy. The SMC generally produces negative rotation measures after accounting for the Milky Way foreground contribution, indicating that it has a mean coherent line-of-sight magnetic field strength of $-0.3\pm 0.1\, \mu$G, consistent with previous findings. We detect signatures of magnetic fields extending from the north and south of the Bar of the SMC. The random component of the SMC magnetic field has a strength of $\sim 5\, \mu$G with a characteristic size-scale of magneto-ionic turbulence <250 pc, making the SMC like other low-mass interacting galaxies. The magnetic fields of the SMC and Magellanic Bridge appear similar in direction and strength, hinting at a connection between the two fields as part of the hypothesized ‘pan-Magellanic’ magnetic field.

Using CME Progenitors to Assess CME Geoeffectiveness

Abstract There have been a few previous studies claiming that the effects of geomagnetic storms strongly depend on the orientation of the magnetic cloud portion of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Aparna & Martens, using halo-CME data from 2007 to 2017, showed that the magnetic field orientation of filaments at the location where CMEs originate on the Sun can be used to credibly predict the geoeffectiveness of the CMEs being studied. The purpose of this study is to extend their survey by analyzing the halo-CME data for 1996–2006. The correlation of filament axial direction on the solar surface and the corresponding Bz signatures at L1 are used to form a more extensive analysis for the results previously presented by Aparna & Martens. This study utilizes Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Telescope 195 Å, Michelson Doppler Imager magnetogram images, and Kanzelhöhe Solar Observatory and Big Bear Solar Observatory Hα images for each particular time period, along with ACE data for interplanetary magnetic field signatures. Utilizing all these, we have found that the trend in Aparna & Martens’ study of a high likelihood of correlation between the axial field direction on the solar surface and Bz orientation persists for the data between 1996 and 2006, for which we find a match percentage of 65%.

Categorization of Coronal Mass Ejection-driven Sheath Regions: Characteristics of STEREO Events

Abstract We present a comprehensive statistical analysis of 106 sheath regions driven by coronal mass ejections and measured near 1 au. Using data from the STEREO probes, this extended analysis focuses on two discrete categorizations. In the first categorization, we investigate how the generic features of sheaths change with their potential formation mechanisms (propagation sheaths and expansion sheaths), namely, their associations with magnetic ejectas (MEs), which are primarily propagating or expanding in the solar wind. We find propagation sheaths to be denser and driven by stronger MEs, whereas expansion sheaths are faster. Exploring the temporal profiles of these sheaths with a superposed epoch technique, we observe that most of the magnetic field and plasma signatures are more elevated in propagation sheaths relative to expansion sheaths. The second categorization is based on speed variations across sheaths. Employing linear least-squares regression, we categorize four distinct speed profiles of the sheath plasma. We find that the associated shock properties and solar cycle phase do not impact the occurrence of such variations. Our results also highlight that the properties of the driving MEs are a major source of variability in the sheath properties. Through logistic regression, we conclude that the magnetic field strength and the ME speed in the solar wind frame are likely drivers of these speed variations.

Unraveling circular polarimetric images of magnetically arrested accretion flows near event horizon of a black hole

Abstract Magnetically arrested accretion flows are thought to fuel some of the supermassive black holes and to power their relativistic jets. We calculate and study a time sequence of linear and circular polarimetric images of numerical, high resolution and long duration simulations of magnetically dominated flows to investigate observational signatures of strong magnetic fields near the event horizon of a non-rotating black hole. We find that the magnitude of resolved linear and circular polarizations is rather sensitive to the assumption of the coupling of electron and ions in the accretion flow. Models with cooler electrons have higher Faraday rotation and conversion depths which results in scrambled linear polarization and enhanced circular polarization. In those high Faraday thickness cases the circular polarization is particularly sensitive to dynamics of toroidasl-radial magnetic fields in the accretion flows. The models with high Faraday thickness are characterized by nearly constant handedness of circular polarization, consistent with observations of some accreting black holes. We also find that the emission region produced by light which is lensed around the black hole shows inversion of circular polarization handedness with respect to the handedness of the circular polarization of the entire emission region. Such polarity inversions are unique to near horizon emission.

On the Growth and Development of Non‐Linear Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability at Mars: MAVEN Observations

AbstractIn this study, we have analyzed Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) observations of fields and plasma signatures associated with an encounter of fully developed Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) vortices at the northern polar terminator along Mars' induced magnetosphere boundary. The signatures of the K–H vortices event are: (a) quasi‐periodic, “bipolar‐like” sawtooth magnetic field perturbations, (b) corresponding density decrease, (c) tailward enhancement of plasma velocity for both protons and heavy ions, (d) co‐existence of magnetosheath and planetary plasma in the region prior to the sawtooth magnetic field signature (i.e., mixing region of the vortex structure), and (e) pressure enhancement (minimum) at the edge (center) of the sawtooth magnetic field signature. Our results strongly support the scenario for the non‐linear growth of K–H instability along Mars’ induced magnetosphere boundary, where a plasma flow difference between the magnetosheath and induced‐magnetospheric plasma is expected. Our findings are also in good agreement with 3‐dimensional local magnetohydrodynamics simulation results. MAVEN observations of protons with energies greater than 10 keV and results from the Walén analyses suggests the possibility of particle energization within the mixing region of the K–H vortex structure via magnetic reconnection, secondary instabilities or other turbulent processes. We estimate the lower limit on the K–H instability linear growth rate to be ∼5.84 × 10−3 s−1. For these vortices, we estimate the instantaneous atmospheric ion escape flux due to the detachment of plasma clouds during the late non‐linear stage of K–H instability to be ∼5.90 × 1026 particles/s. Extrapolation of loss rates integrated across time and space will require further work.

Unravelling the origin of magnetic fields in galaxies

ABSTRACT Despite their ubiquity, there are many open questions regarding galactic and cosmic magnetic fields. Specifically, current observational constraints cannot rule out whether magnetic fields observed in galaxies were generated in the early Universe or are of astrophysical nature. Motivated by this, we use our magnetic tracer algorithm to investigate whether the signatures of primordial magnetic fields persist in galaxies throughout cosmic time. We simulate a Milky Way-like galaxy down to z ∼ 2–1 in four scenarios: magnetized solely by primordial magnetic fields, magnetized exclusively by supernova (SN)-injected magnetic fields, and two combined primordial + SN magnetization cases. We find that once primordial magnetic fields with a comoving strength B0 > 10−12 G are considered, they remain the primary source of galaxy magnetization. Our magnetic tracers show that, even combined with galactic sources of magnetization, when primordial magnetic fields are strong, they source the large-scale fields in the warm metal-poor phase of the simulated galaxy. In this case, the circumgalactic medium and intergalactic medium can be used to probe B0 without risk of pollution by magnetic fields originated in the galaxy. Furthermore, whether magnetic fields are primordial or astrophysically sourced can be inferred by studying local gas metallicity. As a result, we predict that future state-of-the-art observational facilities of magnetic fields in galaxies will have the potential to unravel astrophysical and primordial magnetic components of our Universe.

Radiation Belt Response to Fast Reverse Shock at Geosynchronous Orbit

Abstract Fast reverse shocks (FRSs) cause the magnetosphere to expand, by contrast to the well-known compressions caused by the impact of fast forward shocks (FFS). Usually, FFSs are more geoeffective than FRSs, and consequently the inner magnetosphere dynamic responses to both shock types can be quite different. In this study, we investigate for the first time the radiation belt response to an FRS impact using multi-satellite observations and numerical simulations. Spacecraft on the dayside observed decreases in magnetic field strength and energetic (∼40–475 keV) particle fluxes. Timing analysis shows that the magnetic field signature propagated from the dayside to the nightside magnetosphere. Particles with different energies vary simultaneously at each spacecraft, implying a non-dispersive particle response to the shock. Spacecraft located at lower L-shells did not record any significant signatures. The observations indicate a local time dependence of the response associated with the shock inclination, with the clearest signatures being observed in the dusk–midnight sector. Simulations underestimate the amplitude of the magnetic field variations observed on the nightside. The observed decreases in the electron intensities result from a combination of radial gradient and adiabatic effects. The radial gradients in the spectral index appear to be the dominant contributor to the observed variations of electrons seen on the dayside (near noon and dusk) and on the nightside (near midnight). This study shows that even an FRS can affect the radiation belts significantly and provides an opportunity to understand their dynamic response to a sudden expansion of the magnetosphere.

Constraints on large-scale magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium using cross-correlation methods

ABSTRACT Large-scale coherent magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium (IGM) are presumed to play a key role in the formation and evolution of the cosmic web, and in large-scale feedback mechanisms. However, they are theorized to be extremely weak, in the nano-Gauss regime. To search for a statistical signature of these weak magnetic fields, we perform a cross-correlation between the Faraday rotation measures (RMs) of 1742 radio galaxies at z > 0.5 and large-scale structure at 0.1 < z < 0.5, as traced by 18 million optical and infrared foreground galaxies. No significant correlation signal was detected within the uncertainty limits. We are able to determine model-dependent 3σ upper limits on the parallel component of the mean magnetic field strength of filaments in the IGM of ∼30 nG for coherence scales between 1 and 2.5 Mpc, corresponding to a mean upper bound RM enhancement of ∼3.8 rad m−2 due to filaments along all probed sightlines. These upper bounds are consistent with upper bounds found previously using other techniques. Our method can be used to further constrain intergalactic magnetic fields with upcoming future radio polarization surveys.

Radial Evolution of a CIR: Observations From a Nearly Radially Aligned Event Between Parker Solar Probe and STEREO‐A

AbstractThe addition of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) to the Heliophysics System Observatory has allowed for the unprecedented ability to study Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs) at multiple radial distances without significant temporal/longitudinal variations. On September 19, 2019, PSP observed a CIR at ∼0.5 au when it was nearly radially aligned with the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory‐Ahead (STEREO‐A) spacecraft at ∼1 au, allowing for an unambiguous assessment of the radial evolution of a single CIR. Bulk plasma and magnetic field signatures of the CIR evolve in a fashion characteristic to previous observations; however, the suprathermal ions are enhanced over a larger longitudinal range at PSP than at STEREO‐A, although at much lower intensities. The longitudinal spread appears to be largely a consequence of magnetic field line topology at CIRs between the compressed slow solar wind upstream and high‐speed stream following the CIR, underscoring the importance of the large‐scale topology of these structures.

Magnetic field and prominences of the young, solar-like, ultra-rapid rotator V530 Persei

Context. Young solar analogs reaching the main sequence experience very strong magnetic activity, generating angular momentum losses through wind and mass ejections. Aims. We investigate signatures of magnetic fields and activity at the surface and in the prominence system of the ultra-rapid rotator V530 Per, a G-type solar-like member of the young open cluster α Persei. This object has a rotation period that is shorter than all stars with available magnetic maps. Methods. With a time-series of spectropolarimetric observations gathered with ESPaDOnS over two nights on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, we reconstructed the surface brightness and large-scale magnetic field of V530 Per using the Zeeman-Doppler imaging method, assuming an oblate stellar surface. We also estimated the short term evolution of the brightness distribution through latitudinal differential rotation. Using the same data set, we finally mapped the spatial distribution of prominences through tomography of the Hα emission. Results. The brightness map is dominated by a large, dark spot near the pole, accompanied by a complex distribution of bright and dark features at lower latitudes. Taking the brightness map into account, the magnetic field map is reconstructed as well. Most of the large-scale magnetic field energy is stored in the toroidal field component. The main radial field structure is a positive region of about 500 G, at the location of the dark polar spot. The brightness map of V530 Per is sheared by solar-like differential rotation, with roughly a solar value for the difference in rotation rate between the pole and equator. It is important to note that Hα is observed in emission and it is mostly modulated by the stellar rotation period over one night. The prominence system is organized in a ring at the approximate location of the corotation radius, and displays significant evolution between the two observing nights. Conclusions. V530 Per is the first example of a solar-type star to have its surface magnetic field and prominences mapped together, which will bring important observational constraints to better understand the role of slingshot prominences in the angular momentum evolution of the most active stars.

The Electromagnetic Signature of Outward Propagating Ion-scale Waves

Abstract First results from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission have revealed ubiquitous coherent ion-scale waves in the inner heliosphere, which are signatures of kinetic wave–particle interactions and fluid instabilities. However, initial studies of the circularly polarized ion-scale waves observed by PSP have only thoroughly analyzed magnetic field signatures, precluding a determination of solar wind frame propagation direction and intrinsic wave polarization. A comprehensive determination of wave properties requires measurements of both electric and magnetic fields. Here, we use full capabilities of the PSP/FIELDS instrument suite to measure both the electric and magnetic components of circularly polarized waves. Comparing spacecraft frame magnetic field measurements with the Doppler-shifted cold plasma dispersion relation for parallel transverse waves constrains allowable plasma frame polarizations and wavevectors. We demonstrate that the Doppler-shifted cold plasma dispersion has a maximum spacecraft frequency for which intrinsically right-handed fast-magnetosonic waves propagating sunwards can appear left-handed in the spacecraft frame. Observations of left-handed waves with are uniquely explained by intrinsically left-handed, ion-cyclotron waves (ICWs). We demonstrate that electric field measurements for waves with are consistent with ICWs propagating away from the Sun, verifying the measured electric field. Applying the verified electric field measurements to the full distribution of waves suggests that, in the solar wind frame, the vast majority of waves propagate away from the Sun, indicating that the observed population of coherent ion-scale waves contains both intrinsically left- and right-hand polarized modes.

Saturn's Auroral Field‐Aligned Currents: Observations From the Northern Hemisphere Dawn Sector During Cassini's Proximal Orbits

AbstractWe examine the azimuthal magnetic field signatures associated with Saturn's northern hemisphere auroral field‐aligned currents observed in the dawn sector during Cassini's Proximal orbits (April 2017 and September 2017). We compare these currents with observations of the auroral currents from near noon taken during the F‐ring orbits prior to the Proximal orbits. First, we show that the position of the main auroral upward current is displaced poleward between the two local times (LTs). This is consistent with the statistical position of the ultraviolet auroral oval for the same time interval. Second, we show the overall average ionospheric meridional current profile differs significantly on the equatorward boundary of the upward current with a swept‐forward configuration with respect to planetary rotation present at dawn. We separate the planetary period oscillation (PPO) currents from the PPO‐independent currents and show their positional relationship is maintained as the latitude of the current shifts in LT implying an intrinsic link between the two systems. Focusing on the individual upward current sheets pass‐by‐pass, we find that the main upward current at dawn is stronger compared to near noon. This results in the current density being ~1.4 times higher in the dawn sector. We determine a proxy for the precipitating electron power and show that the dawn PPO‐independent upward current electron power is ~1.9 times higher than at noon. These new observations of the dawn auroral region from the Proximal orbits may show evidence of an additional upward current at dawn likely associated with strong flows in the outer magnetosphere.

Global 3D radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations for FU Ori’s accretion disc and observational signatures of magnetic fields

ABSTRACT FU Ori is the prototype of FU Orionis systems that are outbursting protoplanetary discs. Magnetic fields in FU Ori’s accretion discs have previously been detected using spectropolarimetry observations for Zeeman effects. We carry out global radiation ideal MHD simulations to study FU Ori’s inner accretion disc. We find that (1) when the disc is threaded by vertical magnetic fields, most accretion occurs in the magnetically dominated atmosphere at z ∼ R, similar to the ‘surface accretion’ mechanism in previous locally isothermal MHD simulations. (2) A moderate disc wind is launched in the vertical field simulations with a terminal speed of ∼300–500 km s−1 and a mass-loss rate of 1–10 per cent the disc accretion rate, which is consistent with observations. Disc wind fails to be launched in simulations with net toroidal magnetic fields. (3) The disc photosphere at the unit optical depth can be either in the wind launching region or the accreting surface region. Magnetic fields have drastically different directions and magnitudes between these two regions. Our fiducial model agrees with previous optical Zeeman observations regarding both the field directions and magnitudes. On the other hand, simulations indicate that future Zeeman observations at near-IR wavelengths or towards other FU Orionis systems may reveal very different magnetic field structures. (4) Due to energy loss by the disc wind, the disc photosphere temperature is lower than that predicted by the thin disc theory, and the previously inferred disc accretion rate may be lower than the real accretion rate by a factor of ∼2–3.

Stronger Southward Magnetic Field and Geoeffectiveness of ICMEs Containing Prominence Materials Measured from 1998 to 2011

Abstract Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) could be classified into magnetic clouds (MCs) and non-MCs according to their magnetic field signatures, and into prominence-inside ICMEs (PIs) and non-PIs based on whether they contain colder and higher helium abundance plasmas than the solar wind. It is known that the MCs often lead to magnetic storms. However, whether or not the PIs have significant geoeffectiveness is unclear. This statistical work studies the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) magnitude of the PIs, and the related magnetic storms’ level. The data include the IMF and plasma moments measured by ACE and WIND, and the Dst index from 1998 to 2011. The hypothesis test based on the proportions of two groups is used to analyze 95 ICMEs related to single storms (SSs). The results show that the magnetic storms caused by the PIs mostly distribute at a strong level, while that caused by the non-PIs and by all the 95 ICMEs mostly distribute at a moderate level. The PIs have a significantly higher probability of generating SSs than the non-PIs. Moreover, the MCs containing carbon-cold and helium-enhanced materials (MC&PIs) have the highest fraction of minimum B z , less than −11 nT. Since the MC&PIs have large-scale magnetic flux rope and prominence material, the stronger southward IMF is probably provided by the prominence. It is in accordance with the observed injection of enhanced twisted flux ropes to prominence. Therefore, the detailed eruption and propagation processes of the three-part coronal mass ejections deserve more concern from a space weather perspective.

Magnetic fields in heavy ion collisions: flow and charge transport

At the earliest times after a heavy-ion collision, the magnetic field created by the spectator nucleons will generate an extremely strong, albeit rapidly decreasing in time, magnetic field. The impact of this magnetic field may have detectable consequences, and is believed to drive anomalous transport effects like the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME). We detail an exploratory study on the effects of a dynamical magnetic field on the hydrodynamic medium created in the collisions of two ultrarelativistic heavy-ions, using the framework of numerical ideal MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD) with the ECHO-QGP code. In this study, we consider a magnetic field captured in a conducting medium, where the conductivity can receive contributions from the electromagnetic conductivity sigma and the chiral magnetic conductivity sigma _{chi }. We first study the elliptic flow of pions, which we show is relatively unchanged by the introduction of a magnetic field. However, by increasing the magnitude of the magnetic field, we find evidence for an enhancement of the elliptic flow in peripheral collisions. This effect is stronger at RHIC than the LHC, and it is evident already at intermediate collision centralities. Next, we explore the impact of the chiral magnetic conductivity on electric charges produced at the edges of the fireball. This initial sigma _chi can be understood as a long-wavelength effective description of chiral fermion production. We then demonstrate that this chiral charge, when transported by the MHD medium, produces a charge dipole perpendicular to the reaction plane which extends a few units in rapidity. Assuming charge conservation at the freeze-out surface, we show that the produced charge imbalance can have measurable effects on some experimental observables, like v_1 or langle sin phi rangle . This demonstrates the ability of a MHD fluid to transport the signature of the initial chiral magnetic fields to late times. We also comment on the limitations of the ideal MHD approximation and detail how further development of a dissipative-resistive model can provide a more realistic description of the QGP.

Anomalous conductance scaling in strained Weyl semimetals

Magnetotransport provides key experimental signatures in Weyl semimetals. The longitudinal magnetoresistance is linked to the chiral anomaly and the transversal magnetoresistance to the dominant charge relaxation mechanism. Axial magnetic fields that act with opposite sign on opposite chiralities facilitate new transport experiments that probe the low-energy Weyl nodes. As recently realized, these axial fields can be achieved by straining samples or adding inhomogeneities to them. Here, we identify a robust signature of axial magnetic fields: an anomalous scaling of the conductance in the diffusive ultraquantum regime. In particular, we demonstrate that the longitudinal conductivity in the ultraquantum regime of a disordered Weyl semimetal subjected to an axial magnetic field increases with both the field strength and sample width due to a spatial separation of charge carriers. We contrast axial magnetic with real magnetic fields to clearly distinguish the different behavior of the conductance. Our results rely on numerical tight-binding simulations and are supported by analytical arguments. We argue that the spatial separation of charge carriers can be used for directed currents in microstructured electronic devices.