Extreme Plasma Processes Around Compact Objects

Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss how stars with extremely strong magnetic fields generate some of the most powerful events in space—including X-ray transients and fast radio bursts (FRBs). Through advanced computer simulations, we model magnetic energy dissipation and radiative reactions in the extreme environments of magnetars and binary neutron stars with unprecedented realism. This approach helps us identify key system characteristics for the first time, including magnetic field structures and first principles photon spectra that directly connect to X-ray observations.