Relativistic approach to manipulating angular distribution of charged particles via kinetic equations 

Journal Article · 10 April 2025 · Physical Review Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.7.023043 · OSTI ID:2555856

Moini, Nima ; Mesbah, Ali

Deflection angles of charged particles interacting with materials play a critical role in various plasma applications. The development of a mathematically well-posed kinetic collision operator that accounts for deflection angles of strong Coulomb interactions remains a fundamental open problem. This paper presents a relativistic method for modifying the electromagnetic field in an anisotropic and adjustable manner to manipulate a system of charged particles, specifically by the transfer of angular momentum from a superluminal wave source to particles at specific times and locations. The method provides a mechanism to influence the scattering outcomes of strong interactions by manipulating the angular distribution of particles, and thus the deflection angles of their interactions with a solid surface, without requiring detailed knowledge of the kinetic collision operator. To this end, we demonstrate how a specific type of singularity, generated by Maxwell's equations for a superluminal wave source at the boundary of the plasma, can modify the electromagnetic field in a highly directional manner. The proposed method can lead to the development of novel approaches for controlling interactions of charged particles with a material in plasma systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0024472
• OSTI ID: 2555856
• Journal Information: Physical Review Research, Journal Name: Physical Review Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 7; ISSN PPRHAI; ISSN 2643-1564
• Publisher: American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English