Magnetized Plasma Research Articles

Real-Time Plasma Magnetic Control System with Equilibrium Reconstruction Algorithm in the Feedback for the Globus-M2 Tokamak

To control the plasma shape during a tokamak discharge, it is necessary to calculate the plasmashape in real-time. The rate requirements for the shape calculations are especially high for tokamaks with asmall radius, such as Globus-M2 (St. Petersburg, Russia). A real-time magnetic plasma control system forthe Globus-M2 tokamak with flux and current distribution identification (FCDI) algorithm for the plasmaequilibrium reconstruction in feedback is presented. The control system contains discrete one-dimensionaland matrix proportional-integral-derivative controllers synthesized by the matrix inequality method usingthe plasma LPV model calculated on experimental data, and carries out the coordinated control of the plasmaposition and shape as well as the compensation for the scattered field of the central solenoid. The FCDI algorithmis improved for the operation in the real-time mode, and makes it possible to reconstruct the plasmashape in 20 μs. The digital control system with a feedback algorithm was simulated on a real-time test bench,consisting of two Speedgoat Performance Real-Time Target Machines (RTTM), and demonstrated the averageTask Execution Time (TET) value in 67 μs.

Rotating Alfvén waves in rotating plasmas

Angular momentum coupling between a rotating magnetized plasma and torsional Alfvén waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) is examined. It is demonstrated not only that rotation is the source of Fresnel–Faraday rotation – or orbital Faraday rotation effects – for OAM-carrying Alfvén waves, but also that angular momentum from an OAM-carrying Alfvén wave can be transferred to a rotating plasma through the inverse process. For the direct process, the transverse structure angular rotation frequency is derived by considering the dispersion relation for modes with opposite OAM content. For the inverse process, the torque exerted on the plasma is derived as a function of wave and plasma parameters.

Ionic wind and ozone generation in a single magnetic fluid dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator with different electrode configurations

Plasma actuators are compact wind power generators without mechanical power mechanisms. Plasma actuators have been investigated and developed. In a previous study of the authors, a single dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator using magnetic fluid (MF), termed “MF-DBD plasma actuator,” was proposed for application to fanless air purification devices that can collect low-resistive particulate matter, such as diesel particulate, by electrostatic force without re-entrainment. The fundamental characteristics of the MF-DBD plasma actuator, such as ionic wind, temperature distribution, and ozone and ion concentrations, were investigated in the previous study. The advantage of an MF-DBD plasma actuator is that the position and shape of the MF electrode can be controlled using a magnetic field. In view of this advantage, in this study, ionic wind and ozone generation in a single MF-DBD plasma actuator with different electrode configurations is investigated for the future development of MF-DBD plasma actuators and their application in fanless air purification. In these experiments, the width of the insulated electrode and the distance between the exposed and insulated electrodes are varied. As a result, in the case of a constant applied voltage, the ionic wind velocity and ozone concentration depend only on the overlap between the magnetic fluid and the insulated electrode, and these values increase as the overlap increases. It is clarified that a large overlap between the MF and insulated electrodes can generate an efficient ionic wind in terms of wind velocity and energy consumption.

Reconnection in a pinch

A recently published analysis of current sheets has updated the classic Harris 1D static solution by considering multiple classes of charged particle trajectories in a generalized and dynamic current sheet. It uses a 1D PIC simulation to describe dynamic pinching and bifurcation of the current sheet. These 1D results strongly suggest that properties of the inflowing plasma, including the plasma beta, have an important effect on the equilibrium thickness of the pinched current sheet. Since 1D studies cannot describe magnetic reconnection, the time appears right to carry such 1D studies over to 2D or 3D simulations to explore current sheet thickness effects on reconnection. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS), with its well-resolved multipoint measurements of collisionless plasma and fields, has found that collisionless reconnection is accompanied by non-adiabatic motions of electrons that only occur in magnetic structures with a narrow scale comparable to electron inertial lengths (de). The recent 1D studies suggest that a plasma pinch to such scales may only occur for inflowing magnetized plasmas with relatively low plasma beta. We conclude that a parametric exploration of simulated and observed reconnection inflow conditions, particularly plasma beta, should shed light on the enablement of reconnection in collisionless plasmas.

On the Bifurcation of Dust Ion-Acoustic Nonlinear Waves in a Magnetised Plasma with Energetic Electrons and Positrons

On the Bifurcation of Dust Ion-Acoustic Nonlinear Waves in a Magnetised Plasma with Energetic Electrons and Positrons

Changes in Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Plasma Amyloid-Beta Protein in Subjective Cognitive Decline.

The association between plasma amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) remains controversial. We aimed to explore the correlation between neuroimaging findings, plasma Aβ, and neuropsychological scales using data from 53 SCD patients and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to obtain neuroimaging data for a whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis and cortical functional network topological features. The SCD group had slightly lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores than the HC group. The Aβ42 levels were significantly higher in the SCD group than in the HC group (p < 0.05). The SCD patients demonstrated reduced volumes in the left hippocampus, right rectal gyrus (REC.R), and right precentral gyrus (PreCG.R); an increased percentage fluctuation in the left thalamus (PerAF); and lower average small-world coefficient (aSigma) and average global efficiency (aEg) values. Correlation analyses with Aβ and neuropsychological scales revealed significant positive correlations between the volumes of the HIP.L, REC.R, PreCG.R, and MoCA scores. The HIP.L volume and Aβ42 were negatively correlated, as were the REC.R volume and Aβ42/40. PerAF and aSigma were negatively and positively correlated with the MoCA scores, respectively. The aEg was positively correlated with Aβ42/40. SCD patients may exhibit alterations in plasma biomarkers and multi-parameter MRI that resemble those observed in Alzheimer's disease, offering a theoretical foundation for early clinical intervention in SCD.

Evaluating the Adiabatic Invariants in Magnetized Plasmas Using a Classical Ehrenfest Theorem.

In this article, we address the reliance on probability density functions to obtain macroscopic properties in systems with multiple degrees of freedom as plasmas, and the limitations of expensive techniques for solving Equations such as Vlasov's. We introduce the Ehrenfest procedure as an alternative tool that promises to address these challenges more efficiently. Based on the conjugate variable theorem and the well-known fluctuation-dissipation theorem, this procedure offers a less expensive way of deriving time evolution Equations for macroscopic properties in systems far from equilibrium. We investigate the application of the Ehrenfest procedure for the study of adiabatic invariants in magnetized plasmas. We consider charged particles trapped in a dipole magnetic field and apply the procedure to the study of adiabatic invariants in magnetized plasmas and derive Equations for the magnetic moment, longitudinal invariant, and magnetic flux. We validate our theoretical predictions using a test particle simulation, showing good agreement between theory and numerical results for these observables. Although we observed small differences due to time scales and simulation limitations, our research supports the utility of the Ehrenfest procedure for understanding and modeling the behavior of particles in magnetized plasmas. We conclude that this procedure provides a powerful tool for the study of dynamical systems and statistical mechanics out of equilibrium, and opens perspectives for applications in other systems with probabilistic continuity.

Interplay among turbulence, flow and impurities for sustaining magnetic island

As ubiquitous structures in magnetized fusion plasmas, magnetic islands (MIs) would short-circuit adjacent magnetic flux surfaces and result in a reduced pressure gradient and fluctuations inside the island; it is widely accepted that due to the stabilizing of drift wave instability, the turbulence intensity inside MIs is much lower for larger islands. Here, we provide the first observations that strong turbulence could be generated inside a large radiation MI, which is probably driven by the electron temperature dip due to strongly localized impurity radiation. Moreover, the flow velocity inside the MI is strongly correlated with the turbulence intensity, and the impurity concentration rate suddenly increases as the flow velocity reaches a threshold value, strongly suggesting that turbulence and flow inside the island play important roles in trapping heavy impurities and sustaining radiative MIs.

Hermes-3: Multi-component plasma simulations with BOUT++

A new open source tool for fluid simulation of multi-component plasmas is presented, based on a flexible software design that is applicable to scientific simulations in a wide range of fields. Hermes-3 is built on plasma simulation framework BOUT++, consolidating earlier SD1D and Hermes models into a single code that can be configured at run-time to solve plasma models in 1D, 2D or 3D, either for transport (steady-state) or turbulent (time-evolving) problems, with an arbitrary number of ion and neutral species. We describe the improved numerical algorithms and software design that have been implemented in Hermes-3.To demonstrate the capabilities of this tool, applications relevant to the boundary of tokamak plasmas are presented: 1D simulations of diveror plasmas evolving equations for all charge states of neon and deuterium; 2D transport simulations of tokamak equilibria in single-null X-point geometry with plasma ion and neutral atom species; and simulations of the time-dependent propagation of plasma filaments (blobs).Hermes-3 is publicly available on Github under the GPL-3 open source license. The repository includes documentation and a suite of unit, integrated and convergence tests. Program summaryProgram Title: Hermes-3CPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/rtkvc3r743.1Developer's repository link:https://github.com/bendudson/hermes-3Licensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: C++14Nature of problem: Simulation of dynamics and steady-state solutions of multiple ion and neutral species in magnetised plasmas using drift-reduced fluid plasma models in 1 to 3 spatial dimensions. Focused on but not restricted to the simulation of turbulence in the boundary of tokamaks.Solution method: Hermes-3 implements a system of flexible software components, that are configured at run-time and coupled by passing a state object between them (the Encapsulate State and Command patterns). Hermes-3 builds on BOUT++ [1], employing the Method of Lines with implicit and explicit time-integration methods in curvilinear coordinates on block-structured meshes, making use of libraries including SUNDIALS, PETSc and Hypre. Hermes-3 implements drift-reduced plasma fluid equations using conservative finite difference methods, and atomic processes that couple plasma and neutral fluids.

The effect of density ramp on self-focusing of q-Gaussian laser beam in magnetized plasma

The effect of density ramp on self-focusing of q-Gaussian laser beam in magnetized plasma

Impact of avalanche type of transport on internal transport barrier formation in tokamak plasmas.

In magnetic fusion plasmas, a transport barrier is essential to improve the plasma confinement. The key physics behind the formation of a transport barrier is the suppression of the micro-scale turbulent transport. On the other hand, long-range transport events, such as avalanches, has been recognized to play significant roles for global profile formations. In this study, we observed the impact of the avalanche-type of transport on the formation of a transport barrier for the first time. The avalanches are found to inhibit the formation of the internal transport barrier (ITB) observed in JT-60U tokamak. We found that (1) ITBs do not form in the presence of avalanches but form under the disappearance of avalanches, (2) thesurface integral of avalanche-driven heat fluxe is comparable to the time rate change of stored energy retained at the ITB onset, (3) the mean E × B flow shear is accelerated via the ion temperature gradient that is not sustained under the existence of avalanches, and (4) after the ITB formation,avalanches are damped inside the ITB, while they remain outside the ITB.

Resonant excitation of single Kelvin–Helmholtz high-order waves in a magnetized electron fluid vortex

Thanks to the isomorphism between the drift-Poisson and Euler equations, inviscid two-dimensional fluid experiments can be performed in magnetized, single-component plasmas in Penning–Malmberg traps. Within this analogy, a trapped electron plasma column is equivalent to a two-dimensional vortex. Here, we focus our attention on the generation of V-states, i.e. $l$ -fold symmetric rotating vorticity patches where the deformation with respect to the circular cross-section has reached the nonlinear regime. We detail a linear theoretical analysis and devise an experimental routine to generate V-states through the precise excitation of single Kelvin–Helmholtz perturbations in a magnetized electron plasma. This technique makes use of suitable multipolar rotating electric fields, which are shown to be able to select the desired wavemode. In particular, with rotating fields, a hardware limitation in the highest accessible mode is removed and nonlinear Kelvin–Helmholtz waves of generic order $l$ can be attained, which pave the way for further investigations on the evolution and stability properties of V-states. Systematic experimental results for the selective mode growth in the linear and nonlinear regimes up to saturation and collapse are discussed.

Scalar boson emission from a magnetized relativistic plasma

Scalar boson emission from a magnetized relativistic plasma

Anomalous staged hot-electron acceleration by two-plasmon decay instability in magnetized plasmas.

We present a staged hot-electron acceleration mechanism of the two-plasmon decay (TPD) instability in the transverse magnetic field under the parameters relevant to inertial confinement fusion experiments. After being accelerated by the forward electron plasma wave (FEPW) of TPD, the hot-electrons can be anomalously accelerated again by the backward electron plasma wave (BEPW) of TPD and then obtain higher energy. Moreover, the surfatron acceleration mechanism of TPD in the magnetic field is also confirmed, the electrons trapped by the TPD daughter EPWs are accelerated in the direction along the wave front. Interestingly, the velocity of electrons accelerated by surfing from the FEPW is quite easily close to the BEPW phase velocity, which markedly enhances the efficiency of the staged acceleration. The coexistence of these two acceleration mechanisms leads to a significant increase of energetic electrons generated by TPD in the magnetic field. Meanwhile the EPWs are dissipated, TPD instability is effectively suppressed, and the laser transmission increases.

Variations of the magnetic field and plasma parameters near the Martian induced magnetosphere boundary

The induced magnetosphere boundary (IMB) forms between the Martian magnetosheath and the induced magnetosphere/ionosphere and is important in energy and momentum transport and particle escape at Mars. Based on MAVEN multi-instrument observations in the year 2015, we find the IMBs usually appear with distinct variations of magnetic field and plasma, though they could be disturbed occasionally, especially at large solar zenith angles (SZAs). This study focuses on the properties of the distinct IMBs. The magnetic field strength is enhanced and the magnetic fluctuations are suppressed in IMB. The solar wind particles decrease and the planetary heavy ions start to be dominant in IMB. The variation of plasma is more effective in identifying the IMB's location since it is consistent at all SZAs, while the enhancement of the magnetic field strength or the suppression of the magnetic fluctuations would become ambiguous at large SZAs. The currents in IMB exhibit the signature of field-aligned-like and have larger magnitudes at the subsolar region. The kinetic effect of multiple ion species could be important near IMB. The properties of the Martian IMB investigated here are helpful in identifying this region and understanding the Mars-solar wind interaction and the Martian ionosphere/atm evolution.

Generation of Subion Scale Magnetic Holes from Electron Shear Flow Instabilities in Plasma Turbulence

Magnetic holes (MHs) are coherent structures associated with strong magnetic field depressions in magnetized plasmas. They are observed in many astrophysical environments at a wide range of scales, but their origin is still under debate. In this work, we investigate the formation of subion scale MHs using a fully kinetic 2D simulation of plasma turbulence initialized with parameters typical of the Earth’s magnetosheath. Our analysis shows that the turbulence is capable of generating subion scale MHs from large scale fluctuations via the following mechanism: first, the nonlinear large scale dynamics spontaneously leads to the development of thin and elongated electron velocity shears; these structures then become unstable to the electron Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and break up into small scale electron vortices; the electric current carried by these vortices locally reduces the magnetic field, inducing the formation of subion scale MHs. The MHs thus produced exhibit features consistent with satellite observations and with previous numerical studies. We finally discuss the kinetic properties of the observed subion scale MHs, showing that they are characterized by complex non-Maxwellian electron velocity distributions exhibiting anisotropic and agyrotropic features.

Metabolomic profiles, polygenic risk scores and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study in the UK Biobank

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between metabolomic profiles, genome-wide polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods143 nuclear magnetic resonance-based plasma metabolic biomarkers were measured among 93 800 participants...

Impact of Galaxy Clusters on the Propagation of Ultrahigh-energy Cosmic Rays

Galaxy clusters are the largest objects in the Universe kept together by gravity. Most of their baryonic content is made of a magnetized diffuse plasma. We investigate the impact of such a magnetized environment on the propagation of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). The intracluster medium (ICM) is described according to the self-similar assumption, in which gas density and pressure profiles are fully determined by the cluster mass and redshift. The magnetic field is scaled to the thermal components of the ICM under different assumptions. We model the propagation of UHECRs in the ICM using a modified version of the Monte Carlo code SimProp, where hadronic processes and diffusion in the turbulent magnetic field are implemented. We provide a universal parameterization that approximates the UHECR fluxes escaping from the environment as a function of the most relevant quantities, such as the mass of the cluster, the position of the source with respect to the center of the cluster, and the nature of the accelerated particles. We show that galaxy clusters are an opaque environment, especially for UHECR nuclei. The role of the most massive nearby clusters in the context of the emerging UHECR astronomy is finally discussed.

A weakly nonlinear Ion-acoustic waves in magnetized electron-positron plasma: a fractional model

A weakly nonlinear Ion-acoustic waves in magnetized electron-positron plasma: a fractional model

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF PLASMA TRANSFER IN A HELICAL MAGNETIC FIELD

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of plasma transfer in a spiral magnetic field using new experimental data obtained at the SMOLA trap created at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. Plasma confinement in the trap is carried out by transmitting a pulse from a magnetic field with helical symmetry to a rotating plasma. New mathematical model is based on a stationary plasma transfer equation in an axially symmetric formulation. The distribution of the concentration of the substance obtained by numerical simulation confirmed the confinement effect obtained in the experiment. The dependences of the integral characteristics of the substance on the depth of corrugation of the magnetic field, diffusion and plasma potential are obtained.