Synchrotron Radiation: Relativistic Electrons in a Magnetic Field (2D)

This 2D canvas simulator renders a relativistic electron gyrating around a magnetic field line and radiating synchrotron light — the process that powers the non-thermal glow of pulsar wind nebulae, relativistic jets and supernova remnants across the electromagnetic spectrum. Adjust the electron's Lorentz factor, the local magnetic field strength and its pitch angle relative to the field, and watch the circular orbit, gyroradius and radiation beaming cone respond exactly as the underlying relativistic electrodynamics dictates, alongside live readouts of the critical emission frequency, total radiated power and the 1/γ beaming half-angle. Switch between a top-down view (looking straight down the field line) and a side view (showing the helical drift along the field) with the View button.