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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Published on: May 25, 2021
Current induced in a plasma by a penetrating electron beam
1OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.
Summary
This study calculates the induced axial current density in plasma generated by a relativistic electron beam. The findings are applicable to various beam current distributions and simplify plasma physics calculations.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Beam-plasma interactions
- Relativistic electron beams
Background:
- Understanding plasma behavior under electron beam passage is crucial for fusion energy and particle accelerators.
- Previous models often assumed simplified beam current profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the total induced axial current in plasma from a single relativistic electron pulse.
- To develop a model valid for arbitrary beam current density distributions.
Main Methods:
- Analytical calculation of induced plasma current.
- Analysis of charge density variation over time.
- Comparison with existing models for uniform beam profiles.
Main Results:
- A method to calculate induced axial current for arbitrary relativistic electron beam profiles.
- The derived equations simplify plasma charge density variation analysis.
- Agreement with previous results for uniform beam current density.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a generalized method for analyzing beam-induced plasma currents.
- The simplified equation facilitates further research in plasma physics and accelerator technology.
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