Supernova, gamma-ray bursts and other violent cosmic phenomenaare known (or believed) to drive strong, relativistic or sub-relativistic
shocks. Unlike the standard hydrodynamic shocks mediated by
particle-particle collisions, these shocks are collisionless
and, hence, involve more complicated electromagnetic processes. Despite
this, we often continue to use the hydrodynamic models to compare with
observations. In this talk we will discuss important theoretical ideas
developed recently in this field, and the role of the Weibel
instability, in particular. We will then link them to the observational
aspects, e.g., the radiation processes, the physics jitter radiation, and
the effects relativistic kinematics on the observed spectra.
To begin viewing slides, click on the first slide below. (Or, view as pdf.)