Showing papers in "Physics of Plasmas in 2007"

Instability of current sheets and formation of plasmoid chains

Abstract: Current sheets formed in magnetic reconnection events are found to be unstable to high-wavenumber perturbations. The instability is very fast: its maximum growth rate scales as S1∕4vA∕LCS, where LCS is the length of the sheet, vA the Alfven speed, and S the Lundquist number. As a result, a chain of plasmoids (secondary islands) is formed, whose number scales as S3∕8.

Scaling of asymmetric magnetic reconnection: General theory and collisional simulations

Abstract: A Sweet-Parker-type scaling analysis for asymmetric antiparallel reconnection (in which the reconnecting magnetic field strengths and plasma densities are different on opposite sides of the dissipation region) is performed. Scaling laws for the reconnection rate, outflow speed, the density of the outflow, and the structure of the dissipation region are derived from first principles. These results are independent of the dissipation mechanism. It is shown that a generic feature of asymmetric reconnection is that the X-line and stagnation point are not colocated, leading to a bulk flow of plasma across the X-line. The scaling laws are verified using two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamics numerical simulations for the special case of asymmetric magnetic fields with symmetric density. Observational signatures and applications to reconnection in the magnetosphere are discussed.

Monoenergetic and GeV ion acceleration from the laser breakout afterburner using ultrathin targets

Abstract: A new laser-driven ion acceleration mechanism using ultrathin targets has been identified from particle-in-cell simulations. After a brief period of target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) [S. P. Hatchett et al., Phys. Plasmas 7, 2076 (2000)], two distinct stages follow: first, a period of enhanced TNSA during which the cold electron background converts entirely to hot electrons, and second, the “laser breakout afterburner” (BOA) when the laser penetrates to the rear of the target where a localized longitudinal electric field is generated with the location of the peak field co-moving with the ions. During this process, a relativistic electron beam is produced by the ponderomotive drive of the laser. This beam is unstable to a relativistic Buneman instability, which rapidly converts the electron energy into ion energy. This mechanism accelerates ions to much higher energies using laser intensities comparable to earlier TNSA experiments. At a laser intensity of 1021W∕cm2, the carbon ions accelerate as a quasimonoenergetic bunch to 100s of MeV in the early stages of the BOA with conversion efficiency of order a few percent. Both are an order of magnitude higher than those realized from TNSA in recent experiments [Hegelich et al., Nature 441, 439 (2006)]. The laser-plasma interaction then evolves to produce a quasithermal energy distribution with maximum energy of ∼2GeV.

A theory-based transport model with comprehensive physicsa)

Abstract: A new theory-based transport model with comprehensive physics (trapping, general toroidal geometry, fully electromagnetic, electron-ion collisions, impurity ions) has been developed. The core of the model is the new trapped-gyro-Landau-fluid (TGLF) equations, which provide a fast and accurate approximation to the linear eigenmodes for gyrokinetic drift-wave instabilities (trapped ion and electron modes, ion and electron temperature gradient modes, and kinetic ballooning modes). The new TGLF transport model is more accurate, and has an extended range of validity, compared to its predecessor GLF23. The TGLF model unifies trapped and passing particles in a single set of gyro-Landau-fluid equations. A model for the averaging of the Landau resonance by the trapped particles makes the equations work seamlessly over the whole drift-wave wave-number range from trapped ion modes to electron temperature gradient modes. A fast eigenmode solution method enables unrestricted magnetic geometry. The transport model uses...

Geometrical properties of a “snowflake” divertor

Abstract: Using a simple set of poloidal field coils, one can reach the situation in which the null of the poloidal magnetic field in the divertor region is of second order, not of first order as in the usual X-point divertor. Then, the separatrix in the vicinity of the null point splits the poloidal plane not into four sectors, but into six sectors, making the whole structure look like a snowflake (hence the name). This arrangement allows one to spread the heat load over a much broader area than in the case of a standard divertor. A disadvantage of this configuration is that it is topologically unstable, and, with the current in the plasma varying with time, it would switch either to the standard X-point mode, or to the mode with two X-points close to each other. To avoid this problem, it is suggested to have a current in the divertor coils that is roughly 5% higher than in an “optimum” regime (the one in which a snowflake separatrix is formed). In this mode, the configuration becomes stable and can be controlled by varying the current in the divertor coils in concert with the plasma current; on the other hand, a strong flaring of the scrape-off layer still remains in force. Geometrical properties of this configuration are analyzed. Potential advantages and disadvantages of this scheme are discussed.

Linear and nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in an unmagnetized electron-positron-ion quantum plasma

Abstract: The linear and nonlinear properties of the ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) are investigated by using the quantum hydrodynamic equations together with the Poisson equation in a three-component quantum electron-positron-ion plasma. For this purpose, a linear dispersion relation, a Korteweg-de Vries equation and an energy equation containing quantum corrections are derived. Computational investigations have been performed to examine the quantum mechanical effects on the linear and nonlinear waves. It is found that both the linear and nonlinear properties of the IAWs are significantly affected by the inclusion of the quantum corrections. The relevance of the present investigation to dense white dwarfs (where the electron-positron annihilation can be unimportant) is discussed.

Intrinsic rotation and electric field shear

Abstract: A novel mechanism for the generation and amplification of intrinsic rotation at the low-mode to high-mode transition is presented. The mechanism is one where the net parallel flow is accelerated by turbulence. A preferential direction of acceleration results from the breaking of k‖→−k‖ symmetry by sheared E×B flow. It is shown that the equilibrium pressure gradient contributes a piece of the parallel Reynolds stress, which is nonzero for vanishing parallel flow, and so can accelerate the plasma, driving net intrinsic rotation. Rotation drive, transport, and fluctuation dynamics are treated self-consistently.

A new gyrokinetic quasilinear transport model applied to particle transport in tokamak plasmas

Abstract: The scope of this paper is to present and benchmark the first version of a quasilinear calculation, QuaLiKiz, based on a fast linear gyrokinetic code, Kinezero [C. Bourdelle, X. Garbet, G. T. Hoang, J. Ongena, and R. V. Budny, Nucl. Fusion 42, 892 (2002)] accounting for all unstable modes and summing over a wave-number spectrum. The fluctuating electrostatic potential frequency and wave-number spectra are chosen based on turbulence measurements and nonlinear simulations results. A peculiar focus on particle transport is developed. The directions of compressibility and thermodiffusion convections of ions and electrons are analytically derived for passing and trapped particles in both ion and electron turbulence. Also, the charge and mass dependence of trace heavy impurity convection is analytically estimated. These results are compared with quasilinear simulations done by QuaLiKiz. Finally, the impact of accounting for all unstable modes and of summing over the wave-number spectrum is shown to reverse in some cases the direction of particle fluxes.

Computation of three-dimensional tokamak and spherical torus equilibria

Abstract: A nominally axisymmetric plasma configuration, such as a tokamak or a spherical torus, is highly sensitive to nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations due to currents outside of the plasma. The high sensitivity means that the primary interest is in the response of the plasma to very small perturbations, i.e., ∣b∕B∣≈10−2 to 10−4, which can be calculated using the theory of perturbed equilibria. The ideal perturbed equilibrium code (IPEC) is described and applied to the study of the plasma response in a spherical torus to such external perturbations.

Nonlinear gyrokinetic theory of toroidal momentum pinch

Abstract: The turbulent convective flux of the toroidal angular momentum density is derived using the nonlinear toroidal gyrokinetic equation which conserves phase space density and energy [T. S. Hahm, Phys. Fluids, 31, 2670 (1988)]. A novel pinch mechanism is identified which originates from the symmetry breaking due to the magnetic field curvature. A net parallel momentum transfer from the waves to the ion guiding centers is possible when the fluctuation intensity varies on the flux surface, resulting in imperfect cancellation of the curvature drift contribution to the parallel acceleration. This mechanism is inherently a toroidal effect, and complements the k‖ symmetry breaking mechanism due to the mean E×B shear [O. Gurcan et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 042306 (2007)] which exists in a simpler geometry. In the absence of ion thermal effects, this pinch velocity of the angular momentum density can also be understood as a manifestation of a tendency to homogenize the profile of “magnetically weighted angular momentum ...

The evolution of Magnetic Tower Jets in the Laboratory

Abstract: The evolution of laboratory produced magnetic jets is followed numerically through three-dimensional, nonideal magnetohydrodynamic simulations. The experiments are designed to study the interaction of a purely toroidal field with an extended plasma background medium. The system is observed to evolve into a structure consisting of an approximately cylindrical magnetic cavity with an embedded magnetically confined jet on its axis. The supersonic expansion produces a shell of swept-up shocked plasma that surrounds and partially confines the magnetic tower. Currents initially flow along the walls of the cavity and in the jet but the development of current-driven instabilities leads to the disruption of the jet and a rearrangement of the field and currents. The top of the cavity breaks up, and a well-collimated, radiatively cooled, “clumpy” jet emerges from the system.

On heat loading, novel divertors, and fusion reactors

Abstract: The limited thermal power handling capacity of the standard divertors (used in current as well as projected tokamaks) is likely to force extremely high (∼90%) radiation fractions frad in tokamak fusion reactors that have heating powers considerably larger than ITER [D. J. Campbell, Phys. Plasmas 8, 2041 (2001)]. Such enormous values of necessary frad could have serious and debilitating consequences on the core confinement, stability, and dependability for a fusion power reactor, especially in reactors with Internal Transport Barriers. A new class of divertors, called X-divertors (XD), which considerably enhance the divertor thermal capacity through a flaring of the field lines only near the divertor plates, may be necessary and sufficient to overcome these problems and lead to a dependable fusion power reactor with acceptable economics. X-divertors will lower the bar on the necessary confinement to bring it in the range of the present experimental results. Its ability to reduce the radiative burden impart...

Relativistic breakdown in planetary atmospheres

Abstract: In 2003, a new electrical breakdown mechanism involving the production of runaway avalanches by positive feedback from runaway positrons and energetic photons was introduced. This mechanism, which shall be referred to as “relativistic feedback,” allows runaway discharges in gases to become self-sustaining, dramatically increasing the flux of runaway electrons, the accompanying high-energy radiation, and resulting ionization. Using detailed Monte Carlo calculations, properties of relativistic feedback are investigated. It is found that once relativistic feedback fully commences, electrical breakdown will occur and the ambient electric field, extending over cubic kilometers, will be discharged in as little as 2×10−5s. Furthermore, it is found that the flux of energetic electrons and x rays generated by this mechanism can exceed the flux generated by the standard relativistic runaway electron model by a factor of 1013, making relativistic feedback a good candidate for explaining terrestrial gamma-ray flashes...

Modeling of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators driven by repetitive nanosecond pulses

Abstract: A detailed physical model for an asymmetric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in air driven by repetitive nanosecond voltage pulses is developed. In particular, modeling of DBD with high voltage repetitive negative and positive nanosecond pulses combined with positive dc bias is carried out. Operation at high voltage is compared with operation at low voltage, highlighting the advantage of high voltages, however the effect of backward-directed breakdown in the case of negative pulses results in a decrease of the integral momentum transferred to the gas. The use of positive repetitive pulses with dc bias is demonstrated to be promising for DBD performance improvement. The effects of the voltage waveform not only on force magnitude, but also on the spatial profile of the force, are shown. The crucial role of background photoionization in numerical modeling of ionization waves (streamers) in DBD plasmas is demonstrated.

A trilinear method for finding null points in a three-dimensional vector space

Abstract: Null points are important locations in vector fields, such as a magnetic field. A new technique (a trilinear method for finding null points) is presented for finding null points over a large grid of points, such as those derived from a numerical experiment. The method was designed so that the null points found would agree with any field lines traced using the commonly used trilinear interpolation. It is split into three parts: reduction, analysis, and positioning, which, when combined, provide an efficient means of locating null points to a user-defined subgrid accuracy. We compare the results of the trilinear method with that of a method based on the Poincare index, and discuss the accuracy and limitations of both methods.

Magnetic collimation of fast electrons produced by ultraintense laser irradiation by structuring the target composition

Abstract: A scheme for collimating fast electrons in a specially engineered solid target is proposed. Unlike previous approaches, the collimation is achieved by generating an azimuthal magnetic field as opposed to a radial electric field. The target is engineered such that it consists of a fiber surrounded by material of a lower resistivity than that of the fiber. The fast electrons are collimated along the fiber. Hybrid Vlasov-Fokker-Planck simulations supported by analytic calculations show that this concept is viable.

Collisionless magnetic reconnection in large-scale electron-positron plasmas

Abstract: One of the most fundamental questions in reconnection physics is how the dynamical evolution will scale to macroscopic systems of physical relevance. This issue is examined for electron-positron plasmas using two-dimensional fully kinetic simulations with both open and periodic boundary conditions. The resulting evolution is complex and highly dynamic throughout the entire duration. The initial phase is distinguished by the coalescence of tearing islands to larger scale while the later phase is marked by the expansion of diffusion regions into elongated current layers that are intrinsically unstable to plasmoid generation. It appears that the repeated formation and ejection of plasmoids plays a key role in controlling the average structure of a diffusion region and preventing the further elongation of the layer. The reconnection rate is modulated in time as the current layers expand and new plasmoids are formed. Although the specific details of this evolution are affected by the boundary and initial conditions, the time averaged reconnection rate remains fast and is remarkably insensitive to the system size for sufficiently large systems. This dynamic scenario offers an alternative explanation for fast reconnection in large-scale systems.

Current sheet formation and nonideal behavior at three-dimensional magnetic null points

Abstract: The nature of the evolution of the magnetic field, and of current sheet formation, at three-dimensional (3D) magnetic null points is investigated. A kinematic example is presented that demonstrates that for certain evolutions of a 3D null (specifically those for which the ratios of the null point eigenvalues are time-dependent), there is no possible choice of boundary conditions that renders the evolution of the field at the null ideal. Resistive magnetohydrodynamics simulations are described that demonstrate that such evolutions are generic. A 3D null is subjected to boundary driving by shearing motions, and it is shown that a current sheet localized at the null is formed. The qualitative and quantitative properties of the current sheet are discussed. Accompanying the sheet development is the growth of a localized parallel electric field, one of the signatures of magnetic reconnection. Finally, the relevance of the results to a recent theory of turbulent reconnection is discussed.

GeV electron beams from a centimeter-scale channel guided laser wakefield acceleratora)

Abstract: Laser wakefield accelerators can produce electric fields of order 10–100GV∕m, suitable for acceleration of electrons to relativistic energies. The wakefields are excited by a relativistically intense laser pulse propagating through a plasma and have a phase velocity determined by the group velocity of the light pulse. Two important effects that can limit the acceleration distance and hence the net energy gain obtained by an electron are diffraction of the drive laser pulse and particle-wake dephasing. Diffraction of a focused ultrashort laser pulse can be overcome by using preformed plasma channels. The dephasing limit can be increased by operating at a lower plasma density, since this results in an increase in the laser group velocity. Here we present detailed results on the generation of GeV-class electron beams using an intense femtosecond laser beam and a 3.3cm long preformed discharge-based plasma channel [W. P. Leemans et al., Nature Physics 2, 696 (2006)]. The use of a discharge-based waveguide per...

The development of laser- and beam-driven plasma accelerators as an experimental field

Abstract: Since its inception in the early 1980s, the field of plasma-based particle accelerators has made remarkable advances. Robust plasma accelerating structures can now be excited over centimeter scales using short laser pulses and over meter scales using ultrarelativistic particle beams. Accelerating fields in excess of tens of GV/m can be sustained over these lengths. Laser-driven plasma accelerators now routinely produce monoenergetic, low divergence electron beams in the 100MeV–1GeV range, whereas electron-beam driven plasma accelerators have demonstrated the ability to double the energy of 42GeV electrons using a high-energy collider beam in less than one meter. The development of this field is traced through a series of path breaking experiments.

Bifurcation in electrostatic resistive drift wave turbulence

Abstract: The Hasegawa-Wakatani equations, coupling plasma density, and electrostatic potential through an approximation to the physics of parallel electron motions, are a simple model that describes resistive drift wave turbulence. Numerical analyses of bifurcation phenomena in the model are presented, that provide new insights into the interactions between turbulence and zonal flows in the tokamak plasma edge region. The simulation results show a regime where, after an initial transient, drift wave turbulence is suppressed through zonal flow generation. As a parameter controlling the strength of the turbulence is tuned, this zonal-flow-dominated state is rapidly destroyed and a turbulence-dominated state re-emerges. The transition is explained in terms of the Kelvin-Helmholtz stability of zonal flows. This is the first observation of an upshift of turbulence onset in the resistive drift wave system, which is analogous to the well-known Dimits shift in turbulence driven by ion temperature gradients.

Potential Fluctuations and Energetic Ion Production in Hollow Cathode Discharges

Abstract: Ions with energies significantly in excess of the applied discharge voltage have been reported for many years in hollow cathode discharges. Models of dc potential hills downstream of the cathode and instabilities in postulated double layers in the cathode orifice have been proposed to explain this, but have not been substantiated. Measurements of the dc and rf plasma density and potential profiles near the exit of hollow cathodes by miniature fast-scanning probes suggests that turbulent ion acoustic fluctuations and ionization instabilities in the cathode plume significantly increase the energy of the ions that flow from this region. Increases in the discharge current and/or decreases in the cathode gas flow enhance the amplitude of the fluctuations and increase the number and energy of the energetic ions, which increases the erosion rate of the cathode electrodes. The transition from the quiescent 'spot mode' to the noisy 'plume mode' characteristic of these discharges is found to be a gradual transition of increasing fluctuation amplitudes.

Excitation of terahertz radiation by laser pulses in nonuniform plasma channels

Abstract: The excitation of terahertz radiation by laser pulses propagating in miniature plasma channels is considered. Generation of radiation by laser pulses in uniform plasmas is generally minimal. However, if one considers propagation in corrugated plasma channels, conditions for radiation generation can be met due to the inhomogeneity of the channel and the presence of guided waves with subluminal phase velocities. It is found that for channels and laser pulses with parameters that can be realized today, energy conversion rates of a fraction of a joule per centimeter can be achieved. Miniature corrugated channels can also be used for creation of THz radiation by bunched electron beams.

Relativistic Buneman instability in the laser breakout afterburner

Abstract: A new laser-driven ion acceleration mechanism has been identified in particle-in-cell simulations of high-contrast-ratio ultraintense lasers with very thin (10s of nm) solid targets [Yin et al., Laser and Particle Beams 24, 291 (2006); Yin et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 072701 (2007)]. After a brief period of target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA), “enhanced” TNSA follows. In this stage, the laser rapidly heats all the electrons in the target as the target thickness becomes comparable to the skin depth and enhanced acceleration of the ions results. Then, concomitant with the laser penetrating the target, a large accelerating longitudinal electric field is generated that co-moves with the ions. This last phase has been termed the laser “breakout afterburner” (BOA). Earlier work suggested that the BOA was associated with the Buneman instability that efficiently converts energy from the drift of the electrons into the ions. In this Brief Communication, this conjecture is found to be consistent with particle-in-...

Experimental and theoretical studies of cylindrical Hall thrusters

Abstract: The Hall thruster is a mature electric propulsion device that holds considerable promise in terms of the propellant saving potential. The annular design of the conventional Hall thruster, however, does not naturally scale to low power. The efficiency tends to be lower and the lifetime issues are more aggravated. Cylindrical geometry Hall thrusters have lower surface-to-volume ratio than conventional thrusters and, thus, seem to be more promising for scaling down. The cylindrical Hall thruster (CHT) is fundamentally different from the conventional design in the way the electrons are confined and the ion space charge is neutralized. The performances of both the large (9-cm channel diameter, 600–1000W) and miniaturized (2.6-cm channel diameter, 50–300W) CHTs are comparable with those of the state-of-the-art conventional (annular) design Hall thrusters of similar sizes. A comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the CHT physics has been conducted, addressing the questions of electron cross-field tr...

Basic studies of the generation and collective motion of pair-ion plasmasa)

Abstract: A fullerene pair-ion plasma without electrons is generated and electrostatic modes propagating along magnetic-field lines are externally excited in the range of low frequencies. It is found that four kinds of wave modes, including theoretically unexpected ones, exist in the plasma, and the phase lag between the density fluctuations of positive and negative ions strongly depends on the frequency. In order to illuminate further collective motion of pair-ion plasmas in the range of high frequencies, a concept of a hydrogen pair-ion plasma consisting of only H+ and H− is proposed and an experimental configuration is presented. On the basis of the production of a hydrogen plasma by Penning ionization gauge discharge, the principles of ion cyclotron resonance and E×B drift motion are shown to be effective for ion-species analysis/selection and separated electron detection from negative ions in the generation of pure hydrogen pair-ion plasmas.

Unification and extension of the similarity scaling criteria and mixing transition for studying astrophysics using high energy density laboratory experiments or numerical simulations

Abstract: The Euler similarity criteria for laboratory experiments and time-dependent mixing transition are important concepts introduced recently for application to prediction and analysis of astrophysical phenomena. However, Euler scaling by itself provides no information on the distinctive spectral range of high Reynolds number turbulent flows found in astrophysics situations. On the other hand, time-dependent mixing transition gives no indication on whether a flow that just passed the mixing transition is sufficient to capture all of the significant dynamics of the complete astrophysical spectral range. In this paper, a new approach, based on additional insight gained from review of Navier-Stokes turbulence theory, is developed. It allows for revelations about the distinctive spectral scale dynamics associated with high Reynolds number astrophysical flows. From this perspective, the energy-containing range of the turbulent flow measured in a laboratory setting must not be unintentionally contaminated in such a ...

Kinetic effects in a Hall thruster discharge

Abstract: Recent analytical studies and particle-in-cell simulations suggested that the electron velocity distribution function in E×B discharge of annular geometry Hall thrusters is non-Maxwellian and anisotropic. The average kinetic energy of electron motion in the direction parallel to the thruster channel walls (across the magnetic field) is several times larger than that in the direction normal to the walls. Electrons are stratified into several groups depending on their origin (e.g., plasma or channel walls) and confinement (e.g., lost on the walls or trapped in the plasma). Practical analytical formulas are derived for the plasma flux to the wall, secondary electron fluxes, plasma potential, and electron cross-field conductivity. Calculations based on these formulas fairly agree with the results of numerical simulations. The self-consistent analysis demonstrates that the elastic electron scattering in collisions with atoms and ions plays a key role in formation of the electron velocity distribution function and the plasma potential with respect to the walls. It is shown that the secondary electron emission from the walls may significantly enhance the electron conductivity across the magnetic field but only weakly affects the insulating properties of the near-wall sheath. Such self-consistent decoupling between the secondary electron emission effects on the electron energy losses and the electron cross-field transport is currently not captured by the existing fluid and hybrid models of Hall thrusters.

Spin solitons in magnetized pair plasmas

Abstract: A set of fluid equations, taking into account the spin properties of the electrons and positrons in a magnetoplasma, are derived. The magnetohydrodynamic limit of the pair plasma is investigated. It is shown that the microscopic spin properties of the electrons and positrons can lead to interesting macroscopic and collective effects in strongly magnetized plasmas. In particular, it is found that new Alfvenic solitary structures, governed by a modified Korteweg–de Vries equation, are allowed in such plasmas. These solitary structures vanish if the quantum spin effects are neglected. Our results should be of relevance for astrophysical plasmas, e.g., in pulsar magnetospheres, as well as for low-temperature laboratory plasmas.

Solitary, explosive, and periodic solutions of the quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation and its transverse instability

Abstract: By employing the quantum hydrodynamic model and the reductive perturbation technique, a quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov (QZK) equation is derived for finite but small amplitude ion-acoustic waves in a quantum magnetoplasma. The extended Conte's truncation method is used to obtain the solitary, explosive, and periodic solutions of the QZK equation. Furthermore, the stability of the solitary wave solution of the QZK equation is investigated by using the small-k perturbation expansion method.