Stochastic background of gravitational waves from cosmic-rays

Abstract

Cosmic-rays are charged particles moving in magnetic fields. They not only emit well-known synchrotron photons but also gravitational radiation. We clarify the characteristics of the gravitational wave signal in this specific situation and underline some unexpected features. A phenomenological approximation for the radiated power is given. We derive the shape and peaking frequency of the associated stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves for both electrons and protons, either of galactic or extra-galactic origin.