Plasma Physics

Julio A. Merchand Medina

July 11, 2024

Julio A. Merchand Medina Plasma Physics July 11, 2024 1 / 47

Introduction to Plasma Physics

Part I

Introduction to Plasma Physics

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Tokamak Plasma: Main Features and Characteristics

Plasma
A ionized gas. It is composed by ions and electrons. These components
have many of the properties of a normal gas.

The charge density of both species is almost equal.

Current relative to a drift
Constrained motion. E|| but ⊥ gyrate in Larmour Orbits.
The behaviour of the plasma is given by individual particles in local E⃗ .
Plasma Fluid-like properties

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Tokamak Plasma: Main Features and Characteristics

Tokamak Particle concentration ∼ 1020 m−3 (atm: 1025 m−3 )

Can reach a T keV
Preassure is balanced by E⃗ , but energy density is small compared to it.
Many processes in plasma are due to collisions: Ohmic
Heating,Plasma Losses.

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Plasma Oscillation and Frequency

Plasmas has its own frequency.

Explained by electrons displaced
sheets.
Ions are stationary and uniform.
Electrons lack. Accelerated by
the E⃗ .
Electrons are accelerated by E⃗
and move to cancel positive
charge.
They recreate charge separation
in opposite face.
This process is repeated, thus
plasma oscilates and has a
frenquency Figure: Displacement of Electrons

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Plasma Oscillation and Frequency

Plasma in this case can be explained with fluid equations.

For a cold plasma, the E.O.M is: me ∂v
∂t = −q · E .
Assuming a small density perturbation :

e n̄ ∂(▽ · v ) e 2 n̄
▽·E =− → me =−
ε0 ∂t ε0
The continuity equation gives:
∂n ∂ n̄
= −▽ · (nv ) → = −n(▽ · v )
∂t ∂t
Then we have:
∂ 2 n̄ e 2n
− n̄ = 0
∂t m e ε0

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Plasma Oscillation and Frequency

The plasma frequency is given by the formula:

s
ne e 2
ωpe =
ϵ0 me

where ωpe is the plasma frequency, ne is the electron density, e is the

electron charge, ϵ0 is the permittivity of free space, and me is the
electron mass.
A similar frequency is associated to Ions.

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Electric Charge Density and Separation

The electric charge density of

the separate ion and electron
components of the plasma is
large enough to ensure that only
small separations occur.
Imagine separating ions and
electrons into sheets of
thickness d.
If the ions are singly charged
and the density of ions and
electrons is n, the charge per
unit area in each of the
separated sheets is dne.

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Force Per Unit Area and Electric Field

Ignoring numerical factors, the electric field between the sheets is:
dne
E≈
ϵ0
The resulting force per unit area is:

(dne)2
F ≈
ϵ0
This force tends to bring the electrons and ions back together, minimizing
separation and maintaining quasineutrality.

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Quasineutrality

Quasineutrality is a fundamental property of plasmas, stating that the

overall charge density in a plasma is approximately zero:

ni ≈ ne

where ni is the ion density and ne is the electron density.

Over large scales, the number of positive charges (ions) nearly equals
the number of negative charges (electrons).
Small local deviations can occur due to thermal motions of particles
or external fields.

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Unequal Electron and Ion Densities

When the densities of electrons and ions are not equal, there will be a net
charge density ρ:

ρ = ne (−e) + ni (+e) = e(ni − ne )

This net charge density generates an electric field according to Gauss’s law:

ρ e(ni − ne )
∇·E= =
ϵ0 ϵ0

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Debye Shielding

Debye shielding is the mechanism by which a plasma screens out electric

fields over a characteristic length known as the Debye length (λD ).

Debye Length
r
ϵ0 Te
λD =
ne e 2

When a charge is introduced into a plasma, the surrounding electrons

and ions rearrange themselves to shield the charge.
This prevents long-range electric fields from persisting.

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Debye Length from Screening Force

To understand how the Debye length is obtained from the force on the
screening electrons, consider a plasma with a small test charge Q:
Q −r /λD
ϕ(r ) = e
4πϵ0 r
where ϕ is the electric potential at a distance r from the charge.

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Boltzmann Distribution

The redistribution of electrons in response to the electric potential ϕ

follows the Boltzmann distribution:
eϕ(r )
ne (r ) = ne0 e − Te

For small potentials (eϕ ≪ kB Te ):

 
eϕ(r )
ne (r ) ≈ ne0 1 −
Te

This shows how the electron density varies with the potential.

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Poisson’s Equation

The electric potential ϕ satisfies Poisson’s equation:

ρ
∇2 ϕ = −
ϵ0
Substituting the charge density ρ = e(ni − ne ) and using the Boltzmann
distribution approximation for ne (r ):

e 2 ne0
∇2 ϕ ≈ ϕ
ϵ0 Te
This differential equation describes how the potential decays with distance
in the plasma.

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Debye Length

The solution to this equation is an exponentially decaying potential, with

the decay length defined as the Debye length:
r
ϵ0 Te
λD =
ne e 2
This shows that the Debye length is a measure of how far the electric field
of a test charge extends before being effectively screened by the
redistribution of electrons.

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Summary

Quasineutrality ensures that the plasma remains overall electrically

neutral.
Debye shielding describes how plasmas screen out electric fields over
the Debye length.
The Debye length is derived from the balance between the electric
potential created by a test charge and the thermal motion of
electrons.
These concepts are crucial for understanding plasma behavior in
various applications.

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Motion of charged particles

Part II

Motion of Charged Particles

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Larmor Orbits
Gyromotion or Cyclotron Orbits. Describe the circular motion of
charged Particles in a E⃗ .
Magnetic Field: B ⃗ = B ẑ
Electric Field: E⃗ = 0
Thiss occurs due to the Lorentz Force acting on the charged particle

Equation of Motion
d⃗v ⃗
m = q⃗v × B
dt

⃗v = vx x̂ + vy ŷ + vz ẑ: Velocity of the particle.

⃗ = B ẑ: Uniform magnetic field.
B
q: Charge of the particle.
m: Mass of the particle.
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Components of Velocity

Velocity
vx (t) = v⊥ cos(ωc t): Component in x-direction.
vy (t) = −v⊥ sin(ωc t): Component in y -direction.
where v⊥ is the initial perpendicular component and v∥ is the initial
parallel component.

Position

v⊥
x(t) = sin(ωc t)
ωc
v⊥
y (t) = − cos(ωc t)
ωc

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Larmor Radii

Conclusion
The Larmor radius ρl describes the circular orbit in the plane
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
v⊥ mv⊥
Given by ρl = ωc = qB .
Depends on the initial perpendicular velocity v⊥ , charge q, mass m,
and magnetic field strength B.
The particle has a helical orbit composed of the circular motion and
ctt velocity in the Bz

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Introduction

Motion of charged particles in plasma along magnetic field B with electric

field is compose of:
Circular orbital motion ⊥ B
Uniform velocity along the field.
An acceleration along B can be introduced in two cases.

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Acceleration due to E||

Magnetic Field Influence:

Charged particles spiral along magnetic field lines due to Lorentz force.
Focus on motion parallel to B for E∥ influence.
Electric Field:
E∥ accelerates particles along field lines.
Depends on spatial and temporal variation of E∥ .
For charged particle with charge q and mass m:

d 2z
m = qE∥ (z, t)
dt 2
Describes particle’s position z along magnetic field line.

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Behavior and Solutions

Spatial and Temporal Dependence:

E∥ = E∥ (z, t) leads to partial differential equation.
Solutions depend on form of E∥ (z, t):
Constant E∥ : Uniform acceleration.
Harmonic E∥ : Oscillatory motion.
Spatial variation: Complex trajectories.

Work done by E∥ changes particle’s kinetic energy.

Rate of change of kinetic energy:
 2 !
d 1 dz dz
m = qE∥ (z, t)
dt 2 dt dt

Depends on E∥ strength and particle velocity.

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Acceleration due to ▽|| B

Trapping of charged particles in

inhomogeneous magnetic fields.
Magnetic field must be
divergence-free: ∇ · B = 0.
Conditions for trapping depend
on field topology and particle
motion.

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Divergence-Free Magnetic Field

Described in cylindrical coordinates:

1 ∂(rBr ) ∂Bz
+ =0
r ∂r ∂z
Integration yields radial component:
r ∂Bz
Br = −
2 ∂z

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Lorentz Force in Cylindrical Coordinates

Motion influenced by Lorentz force in cylindrical field.

Lorentz force: F = q(v × B).
Longitudinal force component:

Fz = −qvθ Br

Expressing in terms of Larmor radius and magnetic field gradient:

v⊥2 ∂Bz
Fz = ∓q
2ωc ∂z

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Trapping Mechanism

Longitudinal force related to magnetic moment:

F∥ = −µ∇∥ B
2
mv⊥
Magnetic moment µ = 2B .
Trapping occurs in regions of lower magnetic field strength.

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Conclusion

Trapping mechanism explained by gradient of magnetic field along

field lines.
Force F∥ = −µ∇∥ B pushes particles away from stronger magnetic
field regions.
Works for particles of equal energy, irrespective of charge.

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Particle Drifts

So far two kinds circular motion of charged particles are explained:

⃗a|| to B
Particle drift ⊥ to B
On the scale of the Larmor Radius charged particles gyrate rapidly about
the guiding centre of their motion, but other drifts on the guiding centre
can arise:
1 E⊥ to B
2 ▽ to B
3 curvature
4 a E(t)

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E × B Drift

The particle orbits a drift ⊥ to both E and B.

Two motions: circular Larmor gyration + drift of the guiding center
E.O.M:
dV
mj = q(E + vxB)
dt
Choose B along z-axis and E along y-axis
x-component:
dvx
m = q(vy Bz )
dt
y-component:
dvy
m = q(Ey − vx Bz )
dt

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E × B Drift (cont.)
To obtain the general formula for vg , we solve the equation of motion:
dv
m = q(E + v × B)
dt
As m dvdt gives a circular motion, we already understand this effect, so
set it to zero:
E+v×B=0
Taking the cross product with B:
E × B = B × (v × B) = vB 2 − B(v · B)
The transverse components of this equation are:
vB 2 = E × B
Where vE is the E × B drift velocity of the guiding center:
E×B
vgc = = vE
B2
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E × B Drift (cont.)

Figure: E × B Drift Visualization

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Grad-B Drift

Assumes lines of forces are straight, but their strength increases in the
y-direction
Gradient in |B| causes the Larmor radius (rA = mv
qB ) to be larger at
the bottom of the orbit than at the top, which leads to a drift
Drift should be perpendicular to ∇B and B
Ions and electrons drift in opposite directions

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Grad-B Drift (cont.)
Consider spatially-varying magnetic field, B = (0, 0, Bz (y )), i.e., B
only has z-component and the strength of it varies with y.
Assume that E = 0, so the equation of motion is F = q(v × B)
Separating into components:

Fx = q(vy Bz )

Fy = q(vx Bz )
Fz = 0
The gradient of Bz is dB
dy
z

This means that the magnetic field strength can be expanded in a

Taylor expansion for distances y < rL :
dBz
Bz (y ) = B0 + y + ...
dy

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Grad-B Drift (cont.)

Expanding Bz to first order in Force components:

 
dBz
Fx = qvy B0 + y
dy
 
dBz
Fy = qvx B0 + y
dy
Particles in B-field traveling around a guiding center (0,0) with helical
trajectory:
x = rL sin(ct)
y = ±rL cos(ct)
vx = v cos(ct)
vy = ±v sin(ct)

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Grad-B Drift (cont.)

Substituting these into Force Term:

 
dBz
Fx = qv sin(ct) B0 ± rL cos(ct)
dy
 
dBz
Fy = qv cos(ct) B0 ± rL cos(ct)
dy

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Grad-B Drift (cont.)
Since we are only interested in the guiding center motion, we average
force over a gyro-period. Therefore, in the x-direction:
  
dBz
⟨Fx ⟩ = qv sin(ct) B0 ± rL cos(ct)
dy
But ⟨sin(ct)⟩ = 0 and ⟨sin(ct) cos(ct)⟩ = 0:
⟨Fx ⟩ = 0
In the y-direction:
  
2 dBz
⟨Fy ⟩ = qv cos(ct) B0 ± rL cos (ct)
dy
Where ⟨cos(ct)⟩ = 0 but ⟨cos2 (ct)⟩ = 12 :
1 dBz
⟨Fy ⟩ = qvrL
2 dy
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Grad-B Drift (cont.)
In general, the drift of the guiding center is:
1 ⟨Fy ⟩ŷ × Bz ẑ
vB =
q B2
Using ⟨Fy ⟩:
vrL dBz
vB = x̂
2Bz dy
So positively charged particles drift in the -x direction and negatively
charged particles drift in the +x direction
In 3D, the result can be generalized to:
1 vrL ∇B × B
vB = ±
2 B B2
The ± stands for the sign of the charge. The grad-B drift is in
opposite directions for electrons and ions and causes a current
transverse to B
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Curvature Drift

When charged particles move

along curved magnetic field
lines, they experience a
centrifugal force perpendicular
to the magnetic field lines.
Assume the radius of curvature
Rc is much greater than the
Larmor radius rL .
The outward centrifugal force is:

mv 2
Fcf = rˆ
Rc

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Curvature Drift (cont.)

This centrifugal force can be directly inserted into the general form
for guiding-center drift:
1F×B
vf =
q B2
Therefore, the curvature drift velocity is:

mv 2 Rc × B
vR =
qRc2 B 2

The drift is into or out of the page depending on the sign of the
charge q.

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Polarization Drift
When considering wave motions in plasma, the electric field varies with
time. Unlike the static case, a polarization current can flow.

Figure: Illustration of the effect of time-varying electric fields on ions and

electrons.
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Polarization Drift in Plasma
Definition: Motion of charged particles due to induced polarization in
electric fields.

Equation of Motion:
dv
m = q(E + v × B)
dt

Frame Transformation:
Move to frame with velocity vf .
Fields transform: E′ = E + vf × B, B′ = B.

Polarization Drift Velocity:

q E×B
Static Fields: vpd = m B2
.
1 dE qB
Time-Varying Fields: vpd = ωc2 dt
, ωc = m .
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Adiabatic Invariants

Adiabatic invariants are fundamental concepts in plasma physics.

They are quantities that remain nearly constant under slow changes
compared to characteristic plasma frequencies.
Key in understanding particle motion and stability in magnetic fields.

Magnetic Moment
The magnetic moment µ of a charged particle in a magnetic field B is an
adiabatic invariant:
mv⊥2
µ=
2B
where m is the particle mass, v⊥ is the perpendicular velocity component,
and B is the magnetic field strength.

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Second and Third Adiabatic Invariant

Adiabatic Invariant
For a particle in a slowly varying magnetic field B, the adiabatic invariant
J is given by: I
J = p · ds

where p is the conjugate momentum and the integration path encloses the
particle’s gyration.

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Doubts

What is the name of the effect create by a parallel electric field?

Magnetic Mirror is a Drift?
Curvature Drift (Why is a inhomogeneous field ? Because have a
centrifugal force?)
Second and Third Adiatic Invariant, according to what Wess’s book
states.

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What is next?

The second part ot the lecture presentation consist on the next items
Electromagnetism Overview
Fluid Description of Plasma
1 Fluid Equations
2 MHD
3 Physics of Plasma Fluids
4 Plasma Diamagnetism
5 Braginskii Eq.
Wave Phenomena
1 Plasma Waves
2 Landou Damping
The Third Presentatation will be Kinetic Theory

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