Counter-rotating density and current structures in a partially magnetized $\mathbf{E}\times\mathbf{B}$ plasma
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The first 3D kinetic simulation of a magnetron discharge reproduces the measured rotating spoke and reveals that density and current rotate in opposite directions: the $m=1$ spoke turns in the $\mathbf{E}\times\mathbf{B}$ direction at 90~kHz while $m\simeq16$ electron-cyclotron-drift-type filaments turn at 1.0~MHz, with no net propagation along $\mathbf{B}$. Magnetic drifts exchange far more energy than they deposit, yet their spoke-front heating sustains the ionization. Following helical paths, the anode-directed current is relayed by de-trapping turbulence at the sheath edge (50\%) and by the spoke channel in the bulk (97\%).
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Institutions: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Anshan Normal University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Laboratoire Plasma et Conversion d'Energie, Université de Toulouse
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204846905