Self-similar solutions for Vlasov and water-bag models

Using finite group theory, self-similar solutions for the one-dimensional Vlasov-Poisson system are considered, both for electron plasmas, with a fixed ion background, and for a single species beam. Difficulties arising from the Poisson equation are pointed out and handled by using an exponential group of transformations. Introducing, for the beam, a water-bag model, we find that the boundary condition problem, imposed by self-similarity, can be solved through the introduction of a 'virtual particle' concept. In order to test the analytical solution obtained, a numerical simulation using a particle code is performed. Complete agreement is found. (author)