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Kinetic Solitary Electrostatic Structures in Collisionless Plasma: Phase-Space Holes

Plasma Physics 2024-12-12 v1 Geophysics Space Physics

Abstract

The physics of isolated plasma potential structures sustained by a deficit of phase-space density on trapped orbits, commonly known as electron or ion holes, is reviewed. The principles of their equilibria are explained and illustrated, and contrasted with solitons. A literature review mostly prior to 2016 highlights the key historical developments of the field. Progress since, especially in hole acceleration, stability, and multi-dimensional effects, is summarized in more detail.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2407.08539,
  title  = {Kinetic Solitary Electrostatic Structures in Collisionless Plasma: Phase-Space Holes},
  author = {I H Hutchinson},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.08539},
  year   = {2024}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T17:37:26.135Z