Nonlinear Dynamical Behaviors in a Magnetized Plasma Diode System

Abstract

A wide range of nonlinear behavior in magnetized plasma diodes is investigated using one-dimensional particle simulations. In typical plasma diodes, without external magnetic fields, large-amplitude self-oscillation occurs due to the potential relaxation instability, showing various nonlinear dynamical states when specific initial conditions are given to the system. In this study, we examined the effects of a magnetic field on these dynamical states in three respects: fundamental characteristics of the plasma diode's behavior under a magnetic field, nonlinear dynamical switching of system states induced by a relatively weak magnetic field, and another type of stable self-oscillation under the strong magnetic field.