The Weibel instability in a circular rarefaction wave

M. E. Dieckmann, K. Quinn, G. Sarri, L. Romagnani, G. C. Murphy, I. Kourakis, A. MacChi, J. Fuchs, O. Willi, M. Borghesi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Instabilities behind the front of a cylindrically expanding plasma have been investigated experimentally and with a particle-in-cell simulation. Tubelike filamentary structures form behind the front of a plasma created by irradiating wire targets with a ps-duration and intense (∼ 1019 W cm-2) laser pulse. These filaments exhibit coherent magnetic fields with a remarkable stability (≥ 103ω-1 pω p: plasma frequency). PIC simulations indicate that an instability driven by a thermal anisotropy of the electron population is the cause. This instability requires a plasma density gradient and hot electrons. It can thus contribute to the generation of strong sustained magnetic fields in astrophysical jets.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publication39th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics 2012, EPS 2012 and the 16th International Congress on Plasma Physics
Pages615-618
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2012
Event39th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics 2012, EPS 2012 and the 16th International Congress on Plasma Physics - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 2 Jul 20126 Jul 2012

Publication series

Name39th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics 2012, EPS 2012 and the 16th International Congress on Plasma Physics
Volume1

Conference

Conference39th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics 2012, EPS 2012 and the 16th International Congress on Plasma Physics
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period2/07/126/07/12

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