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Magnetic fields influence ion transport in plasmas. Straightforward comparisons of experimental measurements with plasma theories are complicated when the plasma is inhomogeneous, far from equilibrium, or characterized by strong gradients. To better understand ion transport in a partially magnetized system, we study the hydrodynamic velocity and temperature evolution in an ultracold neutral plasma at intermediate values of the magnetic field. We observe a transverse, radial breathing mode that does not couple to the longitudinal velocity. The inhomogeneous density distribution gives rise to a shear velocity gradient that appears to be only weakly damped. This mode is excited by ion oscillations originating in the wings of the distribution where the plasma becomes non-neutral. The ion temperature shows evidence of an enhanced electron-ion collision rate in the presence of the magnetic field. Ultracold neutral plasmas provide a rich system for studying mode excitation and decay.
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Wave steepening and shock formation in ultracold neutral plasmas
We present observations of wave steepening and signatures of shock formation during expansion of ultracold neutral plasmas formed with an initial density distribution that is centrally peaked and decays exponentially with distance. The plasma acceleration and velocity decrease at large distance from the plasma center, leading to central ions overtaking ions in the outer regions and the development of a steepening front that is narrow compared to the size of the plasma. The density and velocity change dramatically across the front, and significant heating of the ions is observed in the region of steepest gradients. For a reasonable estimate of electron temperature, the relative velocity of ions on either side of the front modestly exceeds the local sound speed (Mach number M≳1). This indicates that by sculpting steep density gradients, it is possible to create the conditions for shock formation, or very close to it, opening a new avenue of research for ultracold neutral plasmas.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2107709
- PAR ID:
- 10591915
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Institute of Physics
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Physics of Plasmas
- Volume:
- 31
- Issue:
- 11
- ISSN:
- 1070-664X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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