Spin quantum plasmas - new aspects of collective dynamics

Quantum plasmas is a rapidly expanding field of research, with applications ranging from nanoelectronics, nanoscale devices and ultracold plasmas, to inertial confinement fusion and astrophysics. Here we give a short systematic overview of quantum plasmas. In particular, we analyze the collective effects due to spin using fluid models. The introduction of an intrinsic magnetization due to the plasma electron (or positron) spin properties in the magnetohydrodynamic limit is discussed. Finally, a discussion of the theory and examples of applications is given.Comment: 17 pages, short review concerning quantum plasmas, to appear in the Proceedings of the 2007 ICTP Summer College on Plasma Physics, Trieste 30 July - 24 August, 200

Particle-in-Cell simulations of electron spin effects in plasmas

We have here developed a particle-in-cell code accounting for the magnetic dipole force and for the magnetization currents associated with the electron spin. The electrons is divided into spin-up and spin-down populations relative to the magnetic field, where the magnetic dipole force acts in opposite directions for the two species. To validate the code, we have studied the wakefield generation by an electromagnetic pulse propagating parallel to an external magnetic field. The properties of the generated wakefield is shown to be in good quantitative agreement with previous theoretical results. Generalizations of the code to account for more quantum effects is discussedComment: 5 pages, 6 figure

On the contribution of exchange interactions to the Vlasov equation

Exchange effects play an important role in determining the equilibrium properties of dense matter systems, as well as for magnetic phenomena. There exists an extensive literature concerning, e.g., the effects of exchange interactions on the equation of state of dense matter. Here, a generalization of the Vlasov equation to include exchange effects is presented allowing for electromagnetic mean fields, thus incorporating some of the dynamic effects due to the exchange interactions. Treating the exchange term perturbatively, the correction to classical Langmuir waves in plasmas is found, and the results are compared with previous work. It is noted that the relative importance of exchange effects scales similarly with density and temperature as particle dispersive effects, but that the overall magnitude is sensitive to the details of the specific problem. The implications of our results are discussed.Comment: 9 page

Nonlinear Breit-Wheeler pair creation with bremsstrahlung γ\gamma rays

Electron-positron pairs are produced through the Breit-Wheeler process when energetic photons traverse electromagnetic fields of sufficient strength. Here we consider a possible experimental geometry for observation of pair creation in the highly nonlinear regime, in which bremsstrahlung of an ultrarelativistic electron beam in a high-$Z$ target is used to produce $\gamma$ rays that collide with a counterpropagating laser pulse. We show how the target thickness may be chosen to optimize the yield of Breit-Wheeler positrons, and verify our analytical predictions with simulations of the cascade in the material and in the laser pulse. The electron beam energy and laser intensity required are well within the capability of today's high-intensity laser facilities.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure

Ferromagnetic behavior in magnetized plasmas

We consider a low-temperature plasma within a newly developed MHD Fluid model. In addition to the standard terms, the electron spin, quantum particle dispersion and degeneracy effects are included. It turns out that the electron spin properties can give rise to Ferromagnetic behavior in certain regimes. If additional conditions are fulfilled, a homogenous magnetized plasma can even be unstable. This happen in the low-temperature high-density regime, when the magnetic properties associated with the spin can overcome the stabilizing effects of the thermal and Fermi pressure, to cause a Jeans like instability.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Large-amplitude Electron Oscillations in a Plasma Slab

Nonlinear oscillations within a plasma slab are analyzed. Two types of solutions are found, depending on the initial value of the electron density. The first represents regular oscillations within the plasma slab, while the second gives rise to explosive growth at the slab centre or at the edges. The results are discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, to appear in Journal of Plasma Physic

On the ionospheric coupling of auroral electric fields

The quasi-static coupling of high-altitude potential structures and electric fields to the ionosphere is discussed with particular focus on the downward field-aligned current (FAC) region. Results are presented from a preliminary analysis of a selection of electric field events observed by Cluster above the acceleration region. The degree of coupling is here estimated as the ratio between the magnetic field-aligned potential drop, ΔΦ<sub>II</sub>, as inferred from the characteristic energy of upward ion (electron) beams for the upward (downward) current region and the high-altitude perpendicular (to <b>B</b>) potential, ΔΦ<sub>bot</sub>, as calculated by integrating the perpendicular electric field across the structure. For upward currents, the coupling can be expressed analytically, using the linear current-voltage relation, as outlined by Weimer et al. (1985). This gives a scale size dependent coupling where structures are coupled (decoupled) above (below) a critical scale size. For downward currents, the current-voltage relation is highly non-linear which complicates the understanding of how the coupling works. Results from this experimental study indicate that small-scale structures are decoupled, similar to small-scale structures in the upward current region. There are, however, exceptions to this rule as illustrated by Cluster results of small-scale intense electric fields, correlated with downward currents, indicating a perfect coupling between the ionosphere and Cluster altitude

Circularly polarized modes in magnetized spin plasmas

The influence of the intrinsic spin of electrons on the propagation of circularly polarized waves in a magnetized plasma is considered. New eigenmodes are identified, one of which propagates below the electron cyclotron frequency, one above the spin-precession frequency, and another close to the spin-precession frequency.\ The latter corresponds to the spin modes in ferromagnets under certain conditions. In the nonrelativistic motion of electrons, the spin effects become noticeable even when the external magnetic field $B_{0}$ is below the quantum critical\ magnetic field strength, i.e., $B_{0}<$ $B_{Q} =4.4138\times10^{9}\, \mathrm{T}$ and the electron density satisfies $n_{0} \gg n_{c}\simeq10^{32}$m$^{-3}$. The importance of electron spin (paramagnetic) resonance (ESR) for plasma diagnostics is discussed.Comment: 10 page