Particle methods for Newtonian and relativistic plasma simulations

Astrophysical environments such as black holes and neutron stars are among the most interesting test-grounds for our understanding of high-energy phenomena. There, the competing effect of gravity, electromagnetic forces, radiation, and kinetic dynamics govern the behaviour of a magnetised, low-density gas called plasma. The colorful interaction of such diverse physical processes originates extremely energetic events such as flares and jets, that we measure as distant observers at Earth. Astrophysical plasmas do not exist solely in black hole environments, but rather consitute 99% of the observable matter in the universe; it is the case for our own Sun, where the same (although less energetic) plasma processes take place, without however the effect of strong gravity. The study of the dynamics of plasmas, from stars to black holes, is the very foundation of modern astrophysics, and an ever-growing active research field.

The theoretical investigation of such phenomena is commonly carried out with numerical methods, implemented in computer codes, that produce simulations of the systems of interest. Among the large variety of numerical methods, particle-based methods shine for their versatility and physical accuracy. These methods can be applied to the study of plasmas in multiple fashions, from the description of the microscopic scales of single-particle motion, to the macroscopic scales of solar eruptions. Implemented in appropriate models, their use is necessary for describing phenomena that less fundamental approaches cannot capture, allowing foe matching current and future observations with our theoretical predictions.

The research on accurate, inexpensive particle-based methods for plasmas is essential for improving our understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenoma. My research is dedicated to the construction and application of new, advanced particle methods for simulations of plasmas both in the weak and strong gravity regimes. The ultimate goal is to unlock the mysteries of unexplored astrophysical processes at previously unreachable time, length, and energy scales.