Electron acceleration and small scale coherent structures formation by an Alfv\'en wave propagating in coronal interplume region

Abstract

We use 2.5-D electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation code to investigate the acceleration of electrons in solar coronal holes through the interaction of Alfv\'en waves with an interplume region. The interplume is modeled by a cavity density gradients that are perpendicular to the background magnetic field. The aim is to contribute to explain the observation of suprathermal electrons under relatively quiet sun. Simulations show that Alfv\'en waves in interaction with the interplume region gives rise to a strong local electric field that accelerates electrons in the direction parallel to the background magnetic field. Suprathermal electron beams and small-scale coherent structures are observed within interplume of strong density gradients. These features result from non linear evolution of the electron beam plasma instability.