Expansion of planar and spherical plasma bunches

Abstract The expansion dynamics of a finite-size plasma is examined from an analytical perspective. Results regarding the charge distribution as well as the electrostatic potential are presented. The acceleration of the ions and the associated cooling of the electrons that takes place during the plasma expansion is described. An extensive analysis of the transition between the semi-infinite and the finitesize plasma behaviour is carried out. Finally, a test of the analytical results, performed through numerical simulations, is presented.