Vlasov Models for Laser‐Plasma Interaction

Abstract

In this paper we discuss Vlasov models and Vlasov simulations to study short pulse high intensity laser‐plasma interaction. For these studies analytical calculations are performed from more simple fluid models: nonlinear dispersion relations, growth rates, envelope models, Manley‐Rowe partition, etc. For a full kinetic description numerical codes are necessary; among different methods particle in cell or PIC codes play a central role. On the other hand, Vlasov codes solve the Vlasov equation as a partial differential equation (PDE) in phase space. Due to their excellent resolution, they have proven to be a useful tool to study the nonlinear resonant wave‐particle interaction, which may be important in laser‐plasma studies. A disadvantage is the need of large memory to ensure correct discretization in phase space. The goal of the paper is to give some insight into the question of choosing between PIC and Vlasov codes, both from a numerical and a physical point of view. Some pedagogical examples will be given to explain to the reader how to select the problems in which Vlasov models and Vlasov simulations could be pertinent.

Notes

¹ICNSP '03, September 7–10, 2003, Cape Cod, Mass.

²We will come back to this point in section 5.3.