Charge and Current Neutralization of an Ion-Beam Pulse Propagating in a Background Plasma along a Solenoidal Magnetic Field

Journal Article · Fri Dec 07 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.99.235002· OSTI ID:21024543

Kaganovich, I D; Startsev, E A; Sefkow, A B; Davidson, R C ^[1]

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1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

The analytical studies show that the application of a small solenoidal magnetic field can drastically change the self-magnetic and self-electric fields of the beam pulse propagating in a background plasma. Theory predicts that when {omega}{sub ce}{approx}{omega}{sub pe}{beta}{sub b}, where {omega}{sub ce} is the electron gyrofrequency, {omega}{sub pe} is the electron plasma frequency, and {beta}{sub b} is the ion-beam velocity relative to the speed of light, there is a sizable enhancement of the self-electric and self-magnetic fields due to the dynamo effect. Furthermore, the combined ion-beam-plasma system acts as a paramagnetic medium; i.e., the solenoidal magnetic field inside the beam pulse is enhanced.

• OSTI ID: 21024543
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 99; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BEAM PULSERS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONS
GYROFREQUENCY
ION BEAMS
LANGMUIR FREQUENCY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PARAMAGNETISM
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
PULSES
VELOCITY
WAVE PROPAGATION