Phase space dynamics after the breaking of a relativistic Langmuir wave in a thermal plasma

Year: 2014

Authors: Grassi A., Fedeli L., Macchi A., Bulanov S. V., Pegoraro F.

Autors Affiliation: Department of Physics “Enrico Fermi”, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (CNR/INO), 56127 Pisa, Italy; QuBS, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1-8-7 Umemidai, Kizugawa, 619-0215 Kyoto, Japan

Abstract: The relativistic Vlasov equation is integrated numerically in an Eulerian framework in order to
investigate the phase space development of the wavebreak of a relativistic Langmuir wave in a thermal
plasma. Relativistic kinematic and beam loading effects lead to a “differential retardation” in the time
required by the electrons to evolve in phase space, the largest momentum electrons taking the longest
time. This leads to the formation of a long lasting spike in momentum space at the wavebreak position
that propagates with a velocity close to the speed of light and to an extremely steep density change in
coordinate space.

Journal/Review: EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL D

Volume: 68 (6)      Pages from: 178  to: 178

KeyWords: Vlasov equation; Vlasov-Maxwell simulation; wavebreaking; electron wakefield acceleration; laser-plasma interactions
DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2014-50153-0

Citations: 8
data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-03-24
References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)
Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here
Connecting to view citations from IsiWeb: Click here