Portrait photo of Dr. Jens Mahlmann

Jens Mahlmann

Assistant Professor

Appointments

Assistant Professor

EPaCO Group Lead (Extreme Plasmas around Compact Objects)

Area of Expertise

Astroplasma Physics,

Computational Astrophysics,

Relativistic Plasma Physics,

Fast Radio Bursts,

X-ray Bursts,

Magnetars,

Compact Object Magnetospheres,

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Simulations,

Particle-in-cell (PIC) Simulations,

High-Performance Computing,

GPU Computing

Biography

 

I specialize in high-energy astrophysics, focusing on plasma processes in magnetized environments such as magnetars, black holes, stars, and accretion flows. My work integrates theoretical frameworks with advanced simulations conducted on high-performance computing systems. Specifically, my primary research investigates the origins of plasma near neutron stars and the mechanisms behind the generation of radio and X-ray bursts during magnetospheric instabilities. Motivated by the detailed observations and advanced theories of planetary magnetospheres, including those of Earth and Jupiter, I explore fundamental plasma processes in extreme astrophysical environments. I build trustworthy non-linear models of how electromagnetic energy within stellar magnetospheres transforms into signals observable through telescopes. With expertise in scientific code development, I customize simulations to capture the intricacies of diverse astrophysical environments ensuring the highest accuracy in modeling complex plasma dynamics. Beyond my research, I am deeply committed to fostering effective communication and conflict resolution within scientific teams. I actively incorporate these communication skills into my work environment, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive scientific community.

Education

B.Sc. Leibniz University of Hannover (2014, Germany)

M.Sc. Leibniz University of Hannover (2016, Germany)

Ph.D. University of Valencia (2020, Spain)

Postdoc Princeton University (2020-2023, USA)

Postdoc Columbia University (2023-2024, USA)

Publications

Mahlmann, J. F., Eskildsen, L., Vanthieghem A., Dai, D., & Sironi, S. (2026). Superluminal Wave Activation at Relativistic Magnetized Shocks. The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 999, L15. [Student Co-Lead]

Mahlmann, J. F., & Beloborodov, A. M. (2025). Electrodynamics and Dissipation in the Binary Magnetosphere of Premerger Neutron Stars. The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 981(1), L17.

Zhong, Y., Spitkovsky, A., Mahlmann, J. F., & Hakobyan, H. (2024). Spindown of Pulsars Interacting with Companion Winds: The Impact of Magnetospheric Compression. The Astrophysical Journal, 973(2), 147. [Student Lead]

Rugg, N., Mahlmann, J. F., & Spitkovsky, A. (2024). Safety first: Stability and dissipation of line-tied force-free flux tubes in magnetized coronae. The Astrophysical Journal, 966(2), 173. [Student Lead]

Mahlmann, J. F., Philippov, A. A., Mewes, V., Ripperda, B., Most, E. R., & Sironi, L. (2023). Three-dimensional dynamics of strongly twisted magnetar magnetospheres: Kinking flux tubes and global eruptions. The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 947(2), L34.

Mahlmann, J. F., Philippov, A. A., Levinson, A., Spitkovsky, A., & Hakobyan, H. (2022). Electromagnetic fireworks: fast radio bursts from rapid reconnection in the compressed magnetar wind. The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 932(2), L20.

Ripperda, B., Mahlmann, J. F., Chernoglazov, A., TenBarge, J. M., Most, E. R., Juno, J., ... & Bhattacharjee, A. (2022). Weak Alfvénic turbulence in relativistic plasmas. Part 2. Current sheets and dissipation. Journal of Plasma Physics, 88(2), 945880201.

Mahlmann, J. F., Levinson, A., & Aloy, M. A. (2020). Striped Blandford/Znajek jets from advection of small-scale magnetic field. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 494(3), 4203-4225.

Contact

Jens.F.Mahlmann@dartmouth.edu
Wilder, Room 221
HB 6127

Departments

Physics and Astronomy

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