Simulation and experimental results of the excitation of the free streaming mode in the plasma wake created by a moving ionization front

Summary form only given, as follows. The excitation of a static (w=0) magnetic field mode in a plasma has been theorized for close to 30 years, but has never been observed experimentally. This mode has also been referred to alternatively as the "picket fence" or "free streaming" mode, reflecting the fact that it is supported by steady state current loops with alternating sense of direction (k*0) in the plasma. We present PIC simulations and preliminary experimental results of work being done at USC and UCLA to measure the free streaming mode when a moving gas/plasma boundary (e.g., created by a short laser pulse) moves either through a static electric field (e.g., an electric wiggler) or an incident electromagnetic wave. Comparisons of the experimental and simulations results with analytical results are also presented.