The Cosmic Capacitor: Unraveling Fast Radio Bursts ⚡ экспресс
A model of fast radio bursts is proposed based on sudden electrical discharges in accretion disks of compact objects such as black holes. The main mechanism is charge separation due to Compton scattering in the disk plasma, forming a capacitor-like system; stability is provided by a balance between radiation pressure and electrostatic forces. The process of destabilization of this capacitor leading to emission of a radio burst is described in detail. Using the observations of FRB2018725A, quantitative relations linking the model predictions to data are obtained. For a stellar-mass black hole, the total charge accumulated through Compton scattering is estimated for the best-fit model, and the required electron density in the accretion disk for this mechanism is determined.
Fast radio bursts are flashes of radio waves lasting mere milliseconds, yet they pack as much energy as the Sun produces in a day. Their nature long remained a mystery. Now astrophysicists have a simple idea: these signals are nothing more than giant electrical sparks in the disks around black holes.
A searing-hot gas disk whirls around the black hole. Intense radiation acts like a gusty wind, blowing lightweight electrons outward while the heavier nuclei stay put. The disk becomes something like a thundercloud—except the electrical voltage builds up not for lightning, but for a radio burst.
When the voltage breaks down, the accumulated charge is released in an instant—and we detect a fast radio burst.
Scientists tested the model on a known burst and found an exact match with its spectral portrait—the way energy is distributed across frequencies. This allowed them to calculate densities and charges. A similar mechanism likely operates for neutron stars—the ultra-dense remnants of exploded stars.
🎯 The energy released in one millisecond of a fast radio burst can exceed the energy the Sun radiates over several days.