Modeling the Dynamic Evolution of Weakly Collisional, Non-Linear Electron Plasma Waves Laterally Confined through the Action of an Axial Magnetic Field*

We present simulations of driven Non-Linear Electron Plasma Waves (NL-EPW) in the presence of collisions and laterally confined through the action of an axial magnetic field. We will treat ponderomotive forces of different lateral extent. We will compare the scaling laws in Zakharov and Karpman [1] to those modified by two dimensional effects and by the axial magnetic field. The full time-dependent evolution from linear damping to nonlinear trapped states will thus be followed using a PIC code as well as Vlasov-Fokker-Planck models. Advantages of and potential conflicts between electrostatic and magnetic confinement of trapped electrons will be explored in the absence and presence of e- - e- collisions in transversely localized drive conditions as might occur in a laser hot spot.

[1]: Zakharov, V. E., & Karpman, V. I. (1963). Soviet Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics, 16, 351–357.