Ion density cavities can cause nonlinear plasma oscillations to peak

Abstract

In this Letter an exact solution for nonlinear cold-electron plasma oscillations against a periodic ion background is found. The main difference with respect to the known solution corresponding to a uniform ion background is that, after a while, electron density peaks will appear. This phenomenon, which was forseen in general terms by Dawson, has possible practical implications which are indicated briefly. A thermal limitation on the peaks is given.