Fully Kinetic Particle-In-Cell simulation of artificial current generation and expansion in the solar wind

Originally proposed by Slough (2005), the Plasma Magnet is a spacecraft propulsion concept which leverages a Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) to induce currents within the plasma of the solar wind. These induced currents expand into large-scale magnetic structures, up to 10 km in diameter, deflecting the incoming solar wind and producing drag. Unlike traditional Magnetic Sails (MagSails), which require massive superconducting coils, the Plasma Magnet achieves this effect with a compact polyphase antenna system. While the fundamental principles of the system have been identified, key questions remain regarding the conditions necessary for initiating, growing, and sustaining currents within the solar wind. Due to the kinetic nature of the interaction and the sub-ion Larmor radius spatial scales involved, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations are inadequate. Therefore, a three-dimensional fully kinetic electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulation code was developed and benchmarked against known test cases. This study specifically explored the current generation condition and growth timescales of the current with respect to antenna power, size, and operational frequency. The scaling exponent of the magnetic field fall-off is examined as a key parameter of the Plasma Magnet performance.