Energy transfer in counter-propagating plasmas at sub-relativistic velocities

V. T. Tikhonchuk; R. Capdessus; E. d'Humières; S. Jequier; S. P. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2018941

7 May 2013 Energy transfer in counter-propagating plasmas at sub-relativistic velocities

V. T. Tikhonchuk, R. Capdessus, E. d'Humières, S. Jequier, S. P. Davis

Proceedings Volume 8780, High-Power, High-Energy, and High-Intensity Laser Technology; and Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers; 87801R (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2018941
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

We consider interaction of two counter-propagating homogeneous sub-relativistic plasma beams with no external magnetic field applied. In numerical simulations performed with a particle-in-cell code three stages of evolution can be identified. The shock formation is initiated with development of the electron two stream and Weibel-like micro-instabilities, followed by fast electron heating and ion deceleration and heating. We present a theoretical analysis of the instabilities development and the nonlinear saturation to explore the origins of the heating and the magnetic field generation. From the dispersion relation, the instabilities are characterized and the dependence on the electron temperature and ion velocity is studied. The growth rate and the characteristic scales of instability are compared to simulation results.

Citation Download Citation

V. T. Tikhonchuk, R. Capdessus, E. d'Humières, S. Jequier, and S. P. Davis "Energy transfer in counter-propagating plasmas at sub-relativistic velocities", Proc. SPIE 8780, High-Power, High-Energy, and High-Intensity Laser Technology; and Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers, 87801R (7 May 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2018941

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available