On deformation of electron holes in phase space

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the shape of background particle distributions affects the deformation and acceleration of electron holes in phase space, revealing that non-uniform acceleration leads to hole deformation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that specific background distributions cause non-uniform acceleration and deformation of electron holes in phase space, a novel insight into phase space hole dynamics.

Findings

Non-uniform acceleration of electron holes due to background distribution shape

Deformation of electron holes in phase space caused by differential acceleration

Deformation is more pronounced at larger perpendicular velocities

Abstract

This Letter shows that for particularly shaped background particle distributions momentum exchange between phase space holes and the distribution causes acceleration of the holes along the magnetic field. In the particular case of a non-symmetric ring distribution (ring with loss cone) this acceleration is nonuniform in phase space being weaker at larger perpendicular velocities thus causing deformation of the hole in phase space.