Impact of wavefront helicity on electron plasma waves
POSTER
Abstract
The behavior of conventional electron plasma waves is relatively well-understood, but this understanding cannot be directly extended to plasma waves with helical wavefronts, i.e., those with azimuthal dependence. A challenge in studying helical plasma waves using kinetic simulations is that these waves must be driven to sufficient amplitude. One option is to drive the waves using laser beams as would be done in a high energy density experiment. This approach, however, is not well-suited for a focused study of helical plasma waves because of the feedback that can arise between the wave and the driving beams. We will present 3D PIC simulations that use an alternative approach in which plasma waves are driven by a low amplitude oscillating electric field with a specified helical structure. This setup enables us to study the fundamental properties of helical plasma waves in isolation, such as their evolution in the presence of wave-particle interactions. Preliminary results of the study will be presented.
Presenters
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David R Blackman
University of California San Diego
Authors
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David R Blackman
University of California San Diego
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John P Palastro
Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York, 14623, USA, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, University of Rochester
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Jason F Myatt
Univ of Alberta, University of Alberta
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Russell Follett
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
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Alexey V Arefiev
University of California, San Diego, University of California San Diego, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA