GENERATION OF MAGNETIC FIELDS IN COSMOLOGICAL SHOCKS

Abstract

The origin of magnetic fields in the universe remains an outstanding problem in cosmology. We propose that these fields are produced by shocks during the large-scale structure formation. We discuss the mechanism of the field generation via the counter-streaming (Weibel) instability. We also show that these Weibel-generated fields are long-lived and weakly coupled to dissipation. Subsequent field amplification by the intra-cluster turbulence may also take place, thus maintaining the magnetic energy density close to equipartition.