Polarization effects in cosmic-ray acceleration by cyclotron autoresonance

Abstract

Employing a two-parameter model for representing the radiation field, the theory of cosmic-ray acceleration by cyclotron autoresonance is analytically generalized here to include any state of polarization. The equations are derived rigorously and used to investigate the dynamics of the nuclides $_1$H$^1$, $_2$He$^4$, $_{26}$Fe$^{56}$, and $_{28}$Ni$^{62}$, in severe astrophysical conditions. Single-particle calculations and many-particle simulations show that these nuclides can reach ZeV energies ($1 ~ZeV = 10^{21}$ eV) due to interaction with superintense radiation of wavelengths $\lambda=1~$ and $10~ \mu$m, and $\lambda=50$ pm, and magnetic fields of strengths at the mega- and gigatesla levels. Examples employing radiation intensities in the range $10^{32}-10^{42}$ W/m$^2$ are discussed.