Strong-Field Magnetohydrodynamics in Plasma Physics and Neutron Stars

Explore strong-field magnetohydrodynamics in this comprehensive theoretical physics colloquium presented by Prof. Saso Grozdanov from the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Ljubljana. Delve into a new formulation of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) designed to describe the evolution of strong magnetic fields in various plasmas, including neutron star interiors. Examine the approach of viewing MHD as a hydrodynamic theory with a one-form global symmetry and learn about developing an effective field theory for associated hydrodynamic modes. Discover the general properties of one-form symmetries, their natural occurrence in plasma descriptions, and their application to MHD. Gain insights into the construction of a holographic dual of MHD. Explore recent investigations of MHD in neutron stars, including the derivation of the most general constitutive relation for the electric field in strong magnetic fields. Understand how this relation reproduces phenomena like Ohmic decay, ambipolar diffusion, and Hall drift while revealing new terms in magnetic field evolution. Learn about predictions for novel diffusive phenomena and two-point correlation functions among electric and magnetic field components. Conclude with a discussion on future directions and open problems in the field of strong-field magnetohydrodynamics.

Strong-field magnetohydrodynamics