Kinetic Solitary Electrostatic Structures in Collisionless Plasma: Phase-Space Holes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the physics, equilibrium principles, and recent advances in the study of kinetic solitary electrostatic structures, such as phase-space holes, in collisionless plasma, emphasizing their stability, acceleration, and multi-dimensional effects.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical and experimental progress in understanding phase-space holes, highlighting recent developments since 2016.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of hole stability and acceleration

Insights into multi-dimensional effects on plasma structures

Historical overview of key developments in the field

Abstract

The physics of isolated plasma potential structures sustained by a deficit of phase-space density on trapped orbits, commonly known as electron or ion holes, is reviewed. The principles of their equilibria are explained and illustrated, and contrasted with solitons. A literature review mostly prior to 2016 highlights the key historical developments of the field. Progress since, especially in hole acceleration, stability, and multi-dimensional effects, is summarized in more detail.