Synchrotron radiation

Summary

Synchrotron radiation is the electromagnetic radiation emitted by charged particles moving at relativistic speeds in a magnetic field. The particles spiral around the field lines, and relativistic beaming concentrates the radiation into a narrow cone along the velocity. A population of electrons with a power-law energy distribution produces a power-law spectrum with strong linear polarisation. It explains the radio emission of supernova remnants, radio galaxies and jets, and is produced on purpose in synchrotron light sources.