Nonlinear plasma waves driven by short ultrarelativistic electron bunches
Abstract
We advance a theory of quasistatic approximation and investigate the excitation of nonlinear plasma waves by the driving beam of ultrarelativistic electrons using a novel electrostatic-like particle-in-cell code. Assuming that the beam occupies an infinitesimally small volume, we find the radius and the length of the plasma bubble formed in the wake of the driver for varying values of the beam charge. The mechanism of bubble formation is explained by developing simple models of the bubble at large charges. Plasma electrons expelled by the driver charge excite secondary plasma waves, which complicate the plasma electron flow near the bubble boundary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.4999629
Entities
People
- Boris Breizman
- Gennady Shvets
- Tianhong Wang
- Vladimir Khudik
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Cornell University
- United States Department of Energy
- University of Texas at Austin