Plasmoille

Plasmoille is a theoretical construct in plasma physics describing a compact, magnetically confined region of ionized gas that behaves as a stable plasmoid. In discussions that explore magnetic reconnection and energy transport, plasmoilles are envisioned as self-contained pockets of plasma with a closed or quasi-closed magnetic flux surface, capable of persisting for multiple dynamical timescales relative to surrounding turbulence.

The name blends plasma and the French diminutive suffix -ille, used in some literature to denote a small or special form. The term is used in speculative and theoretical discussions to explore the properties and stability of magnetized plasma structures beyond simple, transient plasmoids.

They are predicted to form in strongly magnetized, high-conductivity plasmas where reconnection produces chained plasmoids; under certain pressure balance and magnetic shear conditions, a plasmoille could reach a metastable equilibrium. The proposed structure is described as having a nested magnetic flux configuration, with ions and electrons largely confined within a localized region and transport that is anisotropic due to the magnetic field.

In practice, the size and parameters of a plasmoille depend on the specific plasma regime. In laboratory contexts, imagined scales range from millimeters to centimeters, while simulations may allow larger or more idealized versions. Densities are high and temperatures vary with the ambient plasma conditions.

Currently, plasmoille is not an established term in mainstream plasma physics; it appears in a few theoretical notes and in speculative discussions. There is no broad consensus on its existence, and observed plasmoid-like structures in experiments are generally not definitively identified as plasmoilles.

If confirmed, plasmoilles could affect magnetic energy transport, reconnection dynamics, and confinement strategies in plasma devices, and might serve as diagnostic proxies in space and laboratory plasmas.