Anomalous Electron-Ion Energy Transfer in a Relativistic-Electron-Beam-Heated Plasma

Studies at Cornell University show experimental evidence for an anomalous electron-ion energy transfer in a relativistic-electron-beam-heated plasma that is ${10}^3$ times faster than can be predicted by classical processes. Electron cooling, ion heating, and a constant total plasma perpendicular energy on a time scale of ∼1 μsec after electron-beam injection are consistent with an empirically derived electron-ion energy equipartion time in the presence of current-driven instabilities.