Low-noise electromagnetic and relativistic particle-in-cell plasma simulation models

Self-consistent electromagnetic plasma simulation models based on the particle-in-cell algorithm and having low-noise properties are considered here. The basic algorithm for the time integration of the particle equations of motion and the electromagnetic fields is reviewed along with various methods of nonrandom initializations designed to achieve a quiet start for the initial value nonlinear simulations. The formulation of an electromagnetic plasma simulation algorithm designed to follow only the perturbed part of the distribution function using Lagrangian marker particles is described in detail. Tests of the algorithms have been made using the class of electromagnetic instabilities driven by anisotropic temperature distributions and the results demonstrate the utility of the methods. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.