Numerical Simulation of the Weibel Instability in One and Two Dimensions

Abstract

Particle-in-cell simulation methods for doing full electromagnetic simulations of collisionless plasma phenomena are described and applied to the Weibel instability in one and two dimensions. Magnetic particle trapping and subsequent mode coalescing are seen. Magnetic field energy is seen to reach 10% of the total particle energy. The different electromagnetic simulation methods are compared.