An Electron Plasma Experiment to Study Vortex Dynamics Subject to Externally Imposed Flows

摘要

An experimental technique is presented for studying two-dimensional (2D) ideal fluid vortices in the presence of externally imposed flows, using an electron plasma confined in a Penning-Malmberg trap. This procedure is made possible by an isomorphism between the Drift-Poisson equations governing electron plasma dynamics and the 2D Euler equations describing an ideal fluid. Here, the electron density is the analog of fluid vorticity, and the electric potential that of the fluid stream function. External flows are imposed in 2D using a segmented electrode spanning the length of the plasma. Details of the experimental procedure and data analysis are given, including the capabilities and limitations of the experimental approach.