NORSE: A solver for the relativistic non-linear Fokker-Planck equation for electrons in a homogeneous plasma

• Energetic electrons are of interest in many types of plasmas, howe ver previous modelling of their properties have been restricted to the use of linear Fokker-Planck collision ope rators or non-relativistic formulations. Here, we describe a fully non-linear kinetic-equation solver, capable of handling large electric-field strengths (compared to the Dreicer field) and relativistic temperatures. This tool allows modelling of the momentum- space dynamics of the electrons in cases where strong departure s from Maxwellian distributions may arise. As an example, we consider electron runaway in magnetic-confinement fusion plasmas and describe a transition to electron slide-away at field strengths significantly lower than pre viously predicted.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Fusion, plasma och rymdfysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)