Vlasov Simulations of Very-Large-Amplitude Wave Generation in the Plasma Wakefield Accelerator
Abstract
Simulations of the plasma wakefield accelerator are carried out by following the time evolution of the plasma distribution function in one dimension via the Vlasov-Maxwell equations. Simulation results are compared to numerical solutions of the nonlinear relativistic cold plasma equations and to previous theoretical estimations of trapping and thermal effects on plasma waves. It is found that highly nonlinear wakes are obtainable in the vicinity of the driving beam, where the thermal velocity spread of the plasma is reduced. In this region, wake amplitudes can significantly exceed the expectations of relativistic warm plasma models and agree closely with cold fluid theory. In all cases, however, particle trapping and thermalization due to particle scattering from the large amplitude plasma wave reduce the wake to below the nonrelativistic wavebreaking limit after the initial accelerating peak.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237428
Entities
People
- Eric Esarey
- Glenn Joyce
- J. Krall
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory