Transverse plasma-wave localization in multiple dimensions

Journal Article · Fri Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.83.045401· OSTI ID:21560208

Fahlen, J E ^[1]; Winjum, B J; Grismayer, T ^[2]; Mori, W B ^[1]

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1. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States)
2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States)

Plasma-wave behavior in multiple dimensions is studied using two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We find that large-amplitude waves with k{lambda}{sub D} > or approx. 0.2, where k is the wave number of the wave and {lambda}{sub D} is the Debye length, localize in the transverse direction around their axis due to nonlinear, local damping caused by transiting particles. The center of the wave behaves like a plane wave in which trapped particles maintain a quasisteady state at approximately constant amplitude, while the transverse edges damp away.

• OSTI ID: 21560208
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics (Print), Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics (Print) Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 83; ISSN 1539-3755
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AMPLITUDES
DAMPING
DEBYE LENGTH
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PARTICLES
PLASMA WAVES
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TRAPPING
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WAVE PROPAGATION