Structures and anomalous transport in Penning discharge driven by the electron beam source

Dynamics of fluctuations, structures, and anomalous transport in cylindrical Penning discharge is studied with two-dimensional (azimuthal-radial) PIC simulations taking into account self-consistent ionization. The discharge is sustained by the axial electron beam producing the ionization of the background gas. We observe the development of azimuthal gradient-drift instabilities due to the radial density gradient and radial electric field. Structure formation, decay, and transitions between rotating small scale (large m) modes and box size structures are observed depending on the plasma and discharge parameters. Characteristics of rotating structure and resulting anomalous transport are investigated as functions of the magnetic field, background gas species, and pressure is investigated.