Fig. 2: Proof-of-concept 3D PIC simulation of a beam-plasma collision.

2D (ξ, r) maps of beam density at cτ = − 150 nm where the beam has not yet reached the plasma (a), of plasma electron density at cτ = 37 nm where the beam has just entered the plasma (b), and of transverse electric and magnetic fields at cτ = − 150 nm (c) and at cτ = 37 nm (d). e Temporal evolution of the fields E_r, cB_θ and E^*/γ at (r, ξ) = (1.6σ_r, 0). In (a–d), the black dotted circle represents the beam density contour at 5% of maximum density and the black cross represents the position (r, ξ) = (1.6σ_r, 0) at which the fields are evaluated in (e).