Force-free wave interaction in magnetar magnetospheres: Computational modeling in axisymmetry

Abstract

Crustal quakes of highly magnetized neutron stars can disrupt their magnetospheres, triggering energetic phenomena like X-ray and fast radio bursts (FRBs). Understanding plasma wave dynamics in these extreme environments is vital for predicting energy transport across scales to the radiation length. This study models relativistic plasma wave interaction in magnetar magnetospheres with force-free electrodynamics simulations. For propagation along curved magnetic field lines, we observe the continuous conversion of Alfv\'en waves (AWs) to fast magnetosonic (FMS) waves. The conversion efficiency can be up to three times higher when counter-propagating AWs interact in the equatorial region. Alfv\'en waves generate FMS waves of twice their frequency during their first crossing of the magnetosphere. After the initial transient burst of FMS waves, AWs convert to FMS waves periodically, generating variations on timescales of the magnetospheric AW crossing time. This decaying FMS wave tail carries a significant portion (half) of the total energy emitted. Plastic damping of `bouncing' AWs by the magnetar crust has minimal impact on the FMS efficiency. We discuss the implications of the identified wave phenomena for magnetar observations. Outgoing FMS waves can develop electric zones, potential sources of coherent radiation. Long wavelength FMS waves could generate FRBs through reconnection beyond the light cylinder.