Stable discrete representation of relativistically drifting plasmas

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new Particle-in-Cell algorithm that accurately models relativistically drifting plasmas without Numerical Cherenkov Instability by using a discrete, co-propagating Galilean coordinate system, demonstrated through plasma accelerator simulations.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel discretization approach for relativistically drifting plasmas that eliminates Numerical Cherenkov Instability in PIC simulations.

Findings

Algorithm effectively models plasma accelerators in Lorentz-transformed frames.

Method is free of Numerical Cherenkov Instability for uniform plasma flows.

Application demonstrates improved stability and accuracy in relativistic plasma simulations.

Abstract

Representing the electrodynamics of relativistically drifting particle ensembles in discrete, co-propagating Galilean coordinates enables the derivation of a Particle-in-Cell algorithm that is intrinsically free of the Numerical Cherenkov Instability, for plasmas flowing at a uniform velocity. Application of the method is shown by modeling plasma accelerators in a Lorentz-transformed optimal frame of reference.