Numerical simulations for intense light-ion beam propagation in channel under influence of plasma inertia

The intense light-ion beam (LIB) propagation through a plasma channel is numerically investigated by using a two-dimensional simulation code. Analyses are given for the LIB propagation which couples with the motion of channel plasma. Although the electron back current neutralizes the LIB current under a typical beam and channel plasma condition, the Lorentz force by the electron back current expands the LIB radially. The expansion of the LIB depends strongly on the density of the channel plasma. A strong current of the order of 1 MA is shown to propagate stably in the argon plasma channel. (author)