Periodical Plasma Structures Controlled by Oblique Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This study uses 2D3V PIC MCC simulations to investigate how oblique magnetic fields influence plasma structures, revealing the formation of periodic density ridges and modulated currents in cylindrical chambers.

Contribution

It demonstrates the formation of periodic plasma structures and current modulation caused by oblique magnetic fields, providing new insights into plasma behavior in such conditions.

Findings

Periodic electron and ion density ridges form with increased magnetic obliqueness.

Density ridges align with the magnetic field vector and are shifted relative to each other.

Ion and electron currents on the side wall are significantly modulated by the oblique magnetic field.

Abstract

The propulsion type plasma in oblique external magnetic field is studied in 2D3V PIC MCC simulations. A periodical structure with maxima of electron and ion densities appears with an increase of an obliqueness of magnetic field. These ridges of electron and ion densities are aligned with the magnetic field vector and shifted relative each other. As a result the two-dimensional double-layers structure forms in cylindrical plasma chamber. The ion and electron currents on the side wall are essential modulated by the oblique magnetic field.