Turbulence and kinetic signatures around switchbacks in the inner heliosphere

Magnetic switchbacks are large-amplitude magnetic field deflections of Alfvénic nature that are characterized by a high degree of correlation between the velocity and the magnetic fields. They are routinely detected in the inner heliosphere and are characterized by timescales that vary from hundreds of seconds up to a few hours. By means of high cadence Solar Orbiter measurements for the magnetic field vector from the fluxgate magnetometer MAG and for the reprocessed ion data sampled  from the Proton and Alpha particle sensor (PAS) of the Solar Wind Analyser (SWA) suite, we have investigated their turbulent properties in terms of Alfvénicity, structure functions, and intermittency, but also how their presence affect ion kinetic features. In particular, the analysis of a case-study switchback has shown that proton and alpha particle densities increase within it, suggesting ongoing wave activity. Very interestingly, we observe a clear correlation between the magnetic deflection and alpha particle temperature, while no correlation has been found with proton temperature. This is an indication of a possible role played by switchbacks in preferentially heating heavy ions. The shapes of the proton and alphas velocity distribution functions around switchbacks will also be presented and discussed.