A diamagnetic cylindrical equilibrium of ions injected into a magnetized plasma, simulating controlled space experiments

Abstract

A beam of monoenergetic ions injected into a magnetized plasma is supposed to reach a cylindrical equilibrium configuration and to be neutralized by plasma electrons. The induced magnetic field and the beam radius are calculated. This situation is to approximate the ion (plasma) injection into the ionosphere during so-called controlled experiments with electron beams mounted on a spacecraft. The observed diamagnetism of several per cent may be explained in this way. The beam radius is typically twice the ion Larmor radius.