Analysis of Instabilities in Quasi-perpendicular Magnetized Collisionless Shocks using the Field-Particle Correlation Technique

Using the field-particle correlation technique, we analyze 3D-3V hybrid particle-in-cell PIC simulations of perpendicular and quasi-perpendicular magnetized collisionless shocks to study particle energization in phase space. High Mach number, oblique shock normal angles generate corrugation instabilities, also known as shock ripple. We identify the velocity-space signatures of corrugation instabilities in conjunction with the signatures of classical shock energization mechanisms such as shock-drift acceleration and shock-surfing acceleration. This diagnostic tool allows us to separate the energy transfer in phase space due to each different energization mechanism and thus study the impacts of corrugation instabilities on the energetics of the shock. We also present preliminary efforts to train a machine learning algorithm to identify the aforementioned velocity-space signatures autonomously. This algorithm can be used to process observational data and identify key plasma processes in systems such as the Earth's bow shock.