VLASOV-MAXWELL NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF LARGE-AMPLITUDE LANGMUIR WAVEDYNAMICS

The classical problem of the nonlinear dynamics of one dimensional lar ge Langmuir waves is investigated numerically in the framework of a ki netic model based on the Vlasov equations for plasma electrons and ion s, coupled with the Maxwell equations. The field and plasma quantities are followed in time starting from a given spatial electric held dist ribution with typical scalelength much larger than the Debye length. T he temporal evolution of the particle distribution functions and of it s moments are investigated during the relaxation of the initial pertur bation or under the action of an externally applied oscillating field. The transformation of ordered energy into electron temperature is obs erved. The frequency spectra of the electron and ion fluctuations are calculated and harmonic generation is studied.