Exact Solution of Vlasov Equations for Quasineutral Expansion of Plasma Bunch into Vacuum

Abstract

In the quasineutral approximation an exact self-similar solution of the three-dimensional Vlasov equations for electrons and ions with self-consistent electric field is obtained. This solution is valid for an arbitrary value of electron-to-ion mass ratio, arbitrary relation between electron and ion thermal energies, and for a large variety of electron velocity distribution functions and initial spatial plasma density distribution. The results obtained can be used as a basic model for studying the problem of expansion of an arbitrary two-component plasma.