The structure of the singularity that is formed in a relativistically large amplitude plasma wave close to the wave breaking limit is found by using a simple waterbag electron distribution function. The electron density distribution in the breaking wave has a typical “peakon” form. The maximum value of the electric field in a thermal breaking plasma is obtained and compared to the cold plasma limit. The results of computer simulations for different initial electron distribution functions are in agreement with the theoretical conclusions. The after-wavebreak regime is then examined, and a semi-analytical model of the density evolution is constructed. Finally the results of two dimensional particle in cell simulations for different initial electron distribution functions are compared, and the role of thermal effects in enhancing particle injection is noted.

On the breaking of a plasma wave in a thermal plasma. I. The structure of the density singularity

CALIFANO, FRANCESCO;PEGORARO, FRANCESCO
2012-01-01

Abstract

The structure of the singularity that is formed in a relativistically large amplitude plasma wave close to the wave breaking limit is found by using a simple waterbag electron distribution function. The electron density distribution in the breaking wave has a typical “peakon” form. The maximum value of the electric field in a thermal breaking plasma is obtained and compared to the cold plasma limit. The results of computer simulations for different initial electron distribution functions are in agreement with the theoretical conclusions. The after-wavebreak regime is then examined, and a semi-analytical model of the density evolution is constructed. Finally the results of two dimensional particle in cell simulations for different initial electron distribution functions are compared, and the role of thermal effects in enhancing particle injection is noted.
2012
Bulanov, Sv; Esirkepov, Tzh; Kando, M; Koga, Jk; Pirozhkov, As; Nakamura, T; Bulanov, Ss; Schroeder, Cb; Esarey, E; Califano, Francesco; Pegoraro, Fra...espandi
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Arpi 203433.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione finale editoriale
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 745.71 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
745.71 kB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/203433
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 23
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 22
social impact