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Results for “HOT PLASMA”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Simulation of electron Bernstein waves using FullWave with a 2D non-local hot plasma model

Hot plasma wave simulation capability is expanded in the FullWave code by updating the hybrid iterative solver in the code with a semi-implicit time stepping method. The new approach is used to simulate Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW) heating in over-dense spherical tokamak plasmas. The code’s hybrid iterative solver circumvents the prohibitive memory cost of direct methods by combining a time evolution of Maxwell’s equations with frequency-domain relaxation, while the conductivity kernel, calculated via 3D particle tracking, captures the essential non-local wave–particle interactions. One-dimensional EBW simulations verify the algorithm’s accuracy by demonstrating mode conversion from X-mode wave to EBW at the upper hybrid resonance and a strong cyclotron damping near the plasma core. Two-dimensional simulation reproduces the predicted short EBW wavelength and quantitatively matches the hot-plasma dispersion relation. This study demonstrates the fidelity of the hybrid solver for the electron cyclotron frequency range.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

RECONNECTION-DRIVEN DOUBLE LAYERS IN THE STRATIFIED PLASMA OF THE SOLAR TRANSITION REGION: SUPPLY OF HOT PLASMA INTO THE CORONA

A novel mechanism for the supply of hot plasma into the corona from the chromosphere is suggested here; the mechanism involves collisionless magnetic reconnection (CMR) in the transition region (TR) followed by double layer (DL) formation in the enhanced expansion of the chromospheric cold plasma mixed with CMR-heated hot electrons. It is well known that (i) the CMR produces energetic electrons and (ii) DLs naturally form in expanding dense plasmas containing a minor population of hot electrons. We apply these plasma physics facts to the dynamics of stratified plasma in the TR. In the TR where densities fall below ∼10{sup 16} m{sup −3}, all collisional mean-free paths, electron–ion, ion–neutral, and electron–neutral, become long enough to render plasma collisionless at kinetic scale lengths, making CMR and DL formation possible. The DLs accelerate the chromospheric cold ions to energies comparable to the energy of the hot electrons. When the upflowing energized ions neutralized by the escaping hot electrons thermalize, the resulting hot tenuous plasma supplies an energy flux ∼3 × 10{sup 5} erg cm{sup −2} s{sup −1} = 3 × 10{sup 2} J m{sup −2} s{sup −1} into the corona. The CMR–DL mechanism introduces sudden transitions in the TR as microstructures in both density and energy. The global transition in the TR could be a fractal structure containing such microscopic features. If not impossible, it is difficult to measure such microstructures, but it seems that the coronal heating begins in the nearly collisionless TR by CMR and DL formation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Excitation of wakefields in a relativistically hot plasma created by dying non-linear plasma wakefields

We study the various physical processes and their timescales involved in the excitation of wakefields in relativistically hot plasma. This has relevance to the design of a high repetition-rate plasma wakefield collider in which the plasma has not had time to cool between bunches in addition to understanding the physics of cosmic jets in relativistically hot astrophysical plasmas. When the plasma is relativistically hot (plasma temperature near m{sub e}c{sup 2}), the thermal pressure competes with the restoring force of ion space charge and can reduce or even eliminate the accelerating field of a wake. We will investigate explicitly the case where the hot plasma is created by a preceding Wakefield drive bunch 10's of picoseconds to many nanoseconds ahead of the next drive bunch. The relativistically hot plasma is created when the excess energy (not coupled to the driven e{sup -} bunch) in the wake driven by the drive e{sup -} bunch is eventually converted into thermal energy on 10's of picosecond timescale. We will investigate the thermalization and diffusion processes of this non-equilibrium plasma on longer time scales, including the effects of ambi-polar diffusion of ions driven by hot electron expansion, possible Columbic explosion of ions producing higher ionization states and ionization of surrounding neutral atoms via collisions with hot electrons. Preliminary results of the transverse and longitudinal wakefields at different timescales of separation between a first and second bunch are presented and a possible experiment to study this topic at the FACET facility is described.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

HOT PLASMA FROM SOLAR ACTIVE REGION CORES: A TEST OF AC AND DC CORONAL HEATING MODELS?

Direct current (DC) models of solar coronal heating invoke magnetic reconnection to convert magnetic free energy into heat, whereas alternating current (AC) models invoke wave dissipation. In both cases the energy is supplied by photospheric footpoint motions. For a given footpoint velocity amplitude, DC models predict lower average heating rates but greater temperature variability when compared to AC models. Therefore, evidence of hot plasma (T > 5 MK) in the cores of active regions could be one of the ways for current observations to distinguish between AC and DC models. We have analyzed data from the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly for 12 quiescent active region cores, all of which were observed in the XRT Be-thick channel. We did Differential Emission Measure (DEM) analysis and achieved good fits for each data set. We then artificially truncated the hot plasma of the DEM model at 5 MK and examined the resulting fits to the data. For some regions in our sample, the XRT intensities continued to be well-matched by the DEM predictions, even without the hot plasma. This truncation, however, resulted in unacceptable fits for the other regions. This result indicates that the hot plasma is present in these regions, even if the precise DEM distribution cannot be determined with the data available. We conclude that reconnection may be heating the hot plasma component of these active regions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Hot plasma dielectric response to radio-frequency fields in inhomogeneous magnetic field

Hot plasma dielectric response models, which are now used in most linear full wave codes, are formulated in Fourier space assuming that particle's Larmor radius is much smaller than the scale of spatial nonuniformity of magnetic field. Such approximation assumes that the spatial scale of plasma dielectric response to the RF field is limited to a few Larmor radii, which is accurate for a limited range of wave frequencies ω. The scale of plasma dielectric response along the magnetic field line could be comparable to the scale of the magnetic field nonuniformity when ω is close to the particle's cyclotron frequency ωc or when ω is much smaller than ωc, which requires the use of a more accurate model. In the present approach, the hot plasma dielectric response is formulated in configuration space without limiting approximations by numerically calculating the plasma conductivity kernel based on the solution of the linearized Vlasov equation in nonuniform magnetic field. Results of the conductivity kernel calculation in hot collisionless plasma are presented for 1-D mirror and 2-D tokamak magnetic field configurations for ω~ω c . Here, self-consistent simulation of RF fields using the calculated conductivity kernel of 1-D mirror magnetic field is made.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Nonlocal transport in hot plasma. Part I

The problem of describing charged particle transport in hot plasma under the conditions in which the ratio of the electron mean free path to the gradient length is not too small is one of the key problems of plasma physics. However, up to now, there was a deficit of the systematic interpretation of the current state of this problem, which, in most studies, is formulated as the problem of nonlocal transport. In this review, we fill this gap by presenting a self-consistent linear theory of nonlocal transport for small plasma perturbations and an arbitrary collisionality from the classical highly collisional hydrodynamic regime to the collisionless regime. We describe a number of nonlinear transport models and demonstrate the application of the nonclassical transport theory to the solution of some problems of plasma physics, first of all for plasmas produced by nanosecond laser pulses with intensities of 10{sup 13}–10{sup 16} W/cm{sup 2}.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

On stability of collisional coupling between relativistic electrons and ions in hot plasmas

The collisional coupling of relativistic electrons and non-relativistic ions in hot plasmas has been analysed. It is found that relativistic effects produce a new feature: while the condition T{sub e}<3T{sub i} guarantees a stable collisional coupling between electrons and ions in low-temperature plasmas, relativistic effects shift the upper T{sub e}/T{sub i} boundary of stability to higher values. Moreover, for sufficiently high temperatures, T{sub e,i}>75 keV, collisional decoupling between relativistic electrons and ions becomes impossible.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Very Oblique Whistler Mode Propagation in the Radiation Belts: Effects of Hot Plasma and Landau Damping

We present that satellite observations of a significant population of very oblique chorus waves in the outer radiation belt have fueled considerable interest in the effects of these waves on energetic electron scattering and acceleration. However, corresponding diffusion rates are extremely sensitive to the refractive index N, controlled by hot plasma effects including Landau damping and wave dispersion modifications by suprathermal (15–100 eV) electrons. A combined investigation of wave and electron distribution characteristics obtained from the Van Allen Probes shows that peculiarities of the measured electron distribution significantly reduce Landau damping, allowing wave propagation with high N ~ 100–200. Further comparing measured refractive indexes with theoretical estimates incorporating hot plasma corrections to the wave dispersion, we provide the first experimental demonstration that suprathermal electrons indeed control the upper limit of the refractive index of highly oblique whistler mode waves. In conclusion, such results further support the importance of incorporating very oblique waves into radiation belt models.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Laser driven terahertz generation in hot plasma with step density profile

An analytical formalism of terahertz (THz) radiation generation by beating of two lasers in a hot plasma with step density profile is developed. The lasers propagate obliquely to plasma surface normal, and the nonlinearity arises through the ponderomotive force. The THz is emitted in the specular reflection direction, and the yield is enhanced due to coupling with the Langmuir wave when the plasma frequency is close to THz frequency. The power conversion efficiency maximizes at an optimum angle of incidence.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

A fast model for spreading of neutral particles injected locally into hot plasma

A fast model for calculation of non-stationary 3-D profiles of the density for neutral particles locally released into a hot plasma is elaborated. The approach reduces non-stationary three-dimensional transport equations to a set of one-dimensional ones describing the time evolution of the radial profiles for several parameters characterizing adequately the three-dimensional structure. The method is applied to model the spreading process of carbon atoms released by laser desorption in an experimental device and the local injection of working gas into a fusion reactor. The associated heat loads onto the first wall are assessed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

A PHYSICAL LINK BETWEEN JET FORMATION AND HOT PLASMA IN ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

Recent observations suggest that in black hole X-ray binaries jet/outflow formation is related to the hot plasma in the vicinity of the black hole, either in the form of an advection-dominated accretion flow at low accretion rates or in a disk corona at high accretion rates. We test the viability of this scenario for supermassive black holes using two samples of active galactic nuclei distinguished by the presence (radio-strong) and absence (radio-weak) of well-collimated, relativistic jets. Each is centered on a narrow range of black hole mass but spans a very broad range of Eddington ratios, effectively simulating in a statistical manner the behavior of a single black hole evolving across a wide spread in accretion states. Unlike the relationship between the radio and optical luminosity, which shows an abrupt break between high- and low-luminosity sources at an Eddington ratio of {approx}1%, the radio emission-a measure of the jet power-varies continuously with the hard X-ray (2-10 keV) luminosity, roughly as L{sub R} {proportional_to} L{sub X}{sup 0.6-0.75}. This relation, which holds for both radio-weak and radio-strong active galaxies, is similar to the one seen in X-ray binaries. Jet/outflow formation appears to be closely linked to the conditions that give rise to the hot, optically thin coronal emission associated with accretion flows, both in the regime of low and high accretion rates.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

EBIT spectroscopy of highly charged heavy ions relevant to hot plasmas

We present spectra of highly charged iron, gadolinium, and tungsten ions obtained with electron beam ion traps. Spectroscopic studies of these ions are important to diagnose and control hot plasmas in several areas. For iron ions, the electron density dependence of the line intensity ratio in extreme ultraviolet spectra is investigated for testing the model calculation used in solar corona diagnostics. Soft x-ray spectra of gadolinium are studied to obtain atomic data required in light source development for future lithography. Tungsten is considered to be the main impurity in the ITER plasma, and thus visible and soft x-ray spectra of tungsten have been observed to explore the emission lines useful for the spectroscopic diagnostics of the ITER plasma.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Generation of low-frequency radiation by dense hot plasma under pondermotive action of a short laser pulse

The theory of the generation of low-frequency radiation under the pondermotive action of a femtosecond laser pulse on dense hot plasma is developed. It is shown that, at fairly high plasma temperatures, when electron-electron collisions are rare and the low-frequency field is excited under conditions of the anomalous skin effect, the generation efficiency can be close to maximal. The optimal generation conditions are achieved if the carrier frequency of the laser pulse is close to the plasma frequency and the pulse is tightly focused. Under irradiation by pulses with durations of tens to hundreds femtoseconds, terahertz radiation is generated in a broad angular range.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Spectroscopy of Very Hot Plasma in Non-flaring Parts of a Solar Limb Active Region: Spatial and Temporal Properties

In this work we investigate the thermal structure of an off-limb active region (AR) in various non-flaring areas, as it provides key information on the way these structures are heated. In particular, we concentrate on the very hot component (>3 MK) as it is a crucial element to distinguish between different heating mechanisms. We present an analysis using Fe and Ca emission lines from both the Solar Ultraviolet Measurement of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on board Hinode. A data set covering all ionization stages from Fe x to Fe xix has been used for the thermal analysis (both differential emission measure and emission measure, EM). Ca xiv is used for the SUMER-EIS radiometric cross calibration. We show that the very hot plasma is present and persistent almost everywhere in the core of the limb AR. The off-limb AR is clearly structured in Fe xviii. Almost everywhere, the EM analysis reveals plasma at 10 MK (visible in Fe xix emission), which is down to 0.1% of EM of the main 3 MK plasma. We estimate the power-law index of the hot tail of the EM to be between −8.5 and −4.4. However, the question about the possible existence of a small minor peak at around 10 MK remains open. The absence in some part of the AR of the Fe xix and Fe xxiii lines (which fall into our spectral range) enables us to determine an upper limit on the EM at these temperatures. Our results include a new Ca xiv 943.59 Å atomic model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

UNIVERSALITY AND INTERMITTENCY IN RELATIVISTIC TURBULENT FLOWS OF A HOT PLASMA

With the aim of determining the statistical properties of relativistic turbulence and unveiling novel and non-classical features, we present the results of direct numerical simulations of driven turbulence in an ultrarelativistic hot plasma using high-order numerical schemes. We study the statistical properties of flows with average Mach numbers ranging from {approx}0.4 to {approx}1.7 and with average Lorentz factors up to {approx}1.7. We find that flow quantities, such as the energy density or the local Lorentz factor, show large spatial variance even in the subsonic case as compressibility is enhanced by relativistic effects. The velocity field is highly intermittent, but its power spectrum is found to be in good agreement with the predictions of the classical theory of Kolmogorov. Overall, our results indicate that relativistic effects are able to significantly enhance the intermittency of the flow and affect the high-order statistics of the velocity field, while leaving unchanged the low-order statistics, which instead appear to be universal and in good agreement with the classical Kolmogorov theory. To the best of our knowledge, these are the most accurate simulations of driven relativistic turbulence to date.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

PROBING OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE HOT PLASMAS AND GALAXIES IN CLUSTERS FROM z = 0.1 TO 0.9

Based on optical and X-ray data for a sample of 34 relaxed rich clusters of galaxies with redshifts of 0.1-0.9, we studied relative spatial distributions of the two major baryon contents, the cluster galaxies and the hot plasmas. Using multi-band photometric data taken with the UH88 telescope, we determined the integrated (two-dimensional) radial light profiles of member galaxies in each cluster using two independent approaches, i.e., the background subtraction and the color-magnitude filtering. The intracluster medium (ICM) mass profile of each cluster in our sample, also integrated in two dimensions, was derived from a spatially resolved spectral analysis using XMM-Newton and Chandra data. Then, the radially integrated light profile of each cluster was divided by its ICM mass profile, to obtain a profile of ''galaxy light versus ICM mass ratio''. When the sample is divided into three subsamples with redshift intervals of z = 0.11-0.22, 0.22-0.45, and 0.45-0.89, the ratio profiles over the central 0.65 R{sub 500} regions were found to steepen from the higher- to lower-redshift subsamples, meaning that the galaxies become more concentrated in the ICM sphere toward lower redshifts. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test indicates that this evolution in the cluster structure is significant on {>=}94% confidence level. A range of systematic uncertainties in the galaxy light measurements, as well as many radius-/redshift-dependent biases to the galaxy versus ICM profiles, have been assessed, but none of them are significant against the observed evolution. Besides, the galaxy light versus total mass ratio profiles also exhibit gradual concentration toward lower redshift. We interpret that the galaxies, the ICM, and the dark matter components followed a similar spatial distribution in the early phase (z > 0.5), while the galaxies have fallen toward the center relative to the others. Such galaxy infall is likely to be caused by the drag exerted from the ICM to the galaxies as they move through the ICM and interact with it, while gravitational drag can enhance the infall of the most massive galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗