Three-dimensional Helical-rotating Plasma Structures in Beam-generated Partially Magnetized Plasmas

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Chen, Jian, Powis, Andrew T., Kaganovich, Igor D., Wang, Zhibin
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Chen, Jian
Powis, Andrew T.
Kaganovich, Igor D.
Wang, Zhibin
author_facet Chen, Jian
Powis, Andrew T.
Kaganovich, Igor D.
Wang, Zhibin
contents Azimuthal structures emerging in beam-generated partially magnetized plasmas are investigated using three-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulations. Two distinct instability regimes are identified at low pressures. When the gas pressure is sufficiently high, quasi-neutrality is attained and 2D spiral-arm structures form as a result of the development of a lower-hybrid instability, resulting in enhanced cross-field transport. At lower pressures, quasi-neutrality is not achieved and a 3D helical-rotating plasma structure forms due to development of the diocotron instability. Analytical formulas are proposed for the critical threshold pressure between these regimes and for the rotation frequency of the helical structures. Preliminary experimental verification is provided.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2501_01161
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Three-dimensional Helical-rotating Plasma Structures in Beam-generated Partially Magnetized Plasmas
Chen, Jian
Powis, Andrew T.
Kaganovich, Igor D.
Wang, Zhibin
Plasma Physics
Azimuthal structures emerging in beam-generated partially magnetized plasmas are investigated using three-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulations. Two distinct instability regimes are identified at low pressures. When the gas pressure is sufficiently high, quasi-neutrality is attained and 2D spiral-arm structures form as a result of the development of a lower-hybrid instability, resulting in enhanced cross-field transport. At lower pressures, quasi-neutrality is not achieved and a 3D helical-rotating plasma structure forms due to development of the diocotron instability. Analytical formulas are proposed for the critical threshold pressure between these regimes and for the rotation frequency of the helical structures. Preliminary experimental verification is provided.
title Three-dimensional Helical-rotating Plasma Structures in Beam-generated Partially Magnetized Plasmas
topic Plasma Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.01161