From one-dimensional fields to Vlasov equilibria: theory and application of Hermite polynomials

We consider the theory and application of a solution method for the inverse problem in collisionless equilibria, namely that of calculating a Vlasov–Maxwell equilibrium for a given macroscopic (fluid) equilibrium. Using Jeans’ theorem, the equilibrium distribution functions are expressed as functions of the constants of motion, in the form of a Maxwellian multiplied by an unknown function of the canonical momenta. In this case it is possible to reduce the inverse problem to inverting Weierstrass transforms, which we achieve by using expansions over Hermite polynomials. A sufficient condition on the pressure tensor is found which guarantees the convergence and the boundedness of the candidate solution, when satisfied. This condition is obtained by elementary means, and it is clear how to put it into practice. We also argue that for a given pressure tensor for which our method applies, there always exists a positive distribution function solution for a sufficiently magnetised plasma. Illustrative examples of the use of this method with both force-free and non-force-free macroscopic equilibria are presented, including the full verification of a recently derived distribution function for the force-free Harris sheet (Allanson et al., Phys. Plasmas, vol. 22 (10), 2015, 102116). In the effort to model equilibria with lower values of the plasma beta, solutions for the same macroscopic equilibrium in a new gauge are calculated, with numerical results presented for beta=0.05

An exact collisionless equilibrium for the force-free Harris sheet with low plasma beta

We present a first discussion and analysis of the physical properties of a new exact collisionless equilibrium for a one-dimensional nonlinear force-free magnetic field, namely, the force-free Harris sheet. The solution allows any value of the plasma beta, and crucially below unity, which previous nonlinear force-free collisionless equilibria could not. The distribution function involves infinite series of Hermite polynomials in the canonical momenta, of which the important mathematical properties of convergence and non-negativity have recently been proven. Plots of the distribution function are presented for the plasma beta modestly below unity, and we compare the shape of the distribution function in two of the velocity directions to a Maxwellian distribution

Hölder differentiability of self-conformal devil's staircases

In this paper we consider the probability distribution function of a Gibbs measure supported on a self-conformal set given by an iterated function system (devil's staircase) applied to a compact subset of ℝ. We use thermodynamic multifractal formalism to calculate the Hausdorff dimension of the sets Sα 0, Sα ∞ and Sα, the set of points at which this function has, respectively, Hölder derivative 0, ∞ or no derivative in the general sense. This extends recent work by Darst, Dekking, Falconer, Kesseböhmer and Stratmann, and Yao, Zhang and Li by considering arbitrary such Gibbs measures given by a potential function independent of the geometric potential.</p