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Relativistic radiation: parallel and circular cases

What you are seeing: the angular distribution of radiation from a charge accelerated either parallel to or perpendicular to its velocity. As γ\gamma \to \infty the radiation collimates into a forward cone of opening angle 1/γ\sim 1/\gamma, which is the synchrotron beaming effect. The cyan circle marks the 1/γ1/\gamma opening angle.

Figure 1. Relativistic beaming of the radiation lobe.
γ (Lorentz)3.0
geometry

WHAT TO TRY

  • Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
  • Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.