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Dynamic trapping: Neutralization of positive space charge in a collisionless magnetized plasma

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters; (USA)
; ;  [1]
  1. Department of Plasma Physics, Royal Institute of Technoloyg, Stockholm (Sweden)

It is shown by numerical simulations that in a collisionless plasma electron inertia leads to inefficient neutralization of positive space charge and allows large positive potentials ({phi}{much gt}{ital kT}{sub {ital e}}/{ital e}) to be established and maintained on the time scale of ion motion. This is true even if the buildup of positive space charge is so slow that it corresponds to a small fraction of the random electron current of the surrounding plasma. A simple physical model clarifies the physics of the process and provides an analytical expression for the potential.

OSTI ID:
6506326
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters; (USA), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (USA) Vol. 65:7; ISSN PRLTA; ISSN 0031-9007
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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