A hybrid simulation tool for studying laboratory Alfvén waves

As a fundamental mode in magnetic plasmas, Alfvén waves are ubiquitous in space, astrophysical and fusion plasmas, and play a pivotal role in plasma turbulence, particle acceleration and energy transport at large scales. Detailed space measurements of Alfvén wave dynamics require overcoming several limitations, stimulating considerable interest in laboratory study and associated numerical modeling. Here, we present a new hybrid simulation tool (modified from the 3D hybrid code H3D) for studying laboratory Alfvén waves based on the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at University of California, Los Angeles. Several novel features including an absorption boundary [1] and 1D Alfvén wave injection [2] are developed to accommodate the LAPD conditions. Such simulations adopting realistic wave-plasma parameters (such as Alfvén wave amplitude, temporal profile, plasma beta and system size) are used to demonstrate a few nonlinear Alfvénic processes with ion kinetics retained, including the parametric instabilities and beat wave excitation, in either single or multi-ion species [3]. Extension to 3D wave injection is underway which may open new investigations such as nonlinear interaction of kinetic Alfvén waves. This tool together with experiment will help guide future Alfvén wave studies on LAPD and gain a detailed understanding of relevant physical processes.