Effects of beam velocity and density on an ion-beam pulse moving in magnetized plasmas

TL;DR

This study uses particle-in-cell simulations to explore how beam velocity and density influence wakefields and stopping power of ion-beam pulses in magnetized plasmas, revealing the roles of whistler waves and magnetic field effects.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effects of magnetic fields, beam velocity, and density on wakefield structures and stopping power in magnetized plasmas, highlighting the role of whistler waves.

Findings

Whistler waves are observed at low density and velocity, enhancing stopping power.

Increasing beam velocity suppresses whistler waves and reduces stopping power.

High-density pulses inhibit whistler waves and decrease stopping power in magnetic fields.

Abstract

The wakefield and stopping power of an ion-beam pulse moving in magnetized plasmas are investigated by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. The effects of beam velocity and density on the wake and stopping power are discussed. In the presence of magnetic field, it is found that beside the longitudinal conversed V-shaped wakes, the strong whistler wave are observed when low-density and low-velocity pulses moving in plasmas. The corresponding stopping powers are enhanced due to the drag of these whistler waves. As beam velocities increase, the whistler waves disappear, and only are conversed V-shape wakes observed. The corresponding stopping powers are reduced compared with these in isotropic plasmas. When high-density pulses transport in the magnetized plasmas, the whistler waves are greatly inhibited for low-velocity pulses and disappear for high-velocity pulses. Additionally, the magnetic field reduces the stopping powers for all high-density cases.