Sidepumping

Sidepumping is a term used in physics, particularly in the context of particle accelerators and plasma physics, to describe the phenomenon of particles being ejected or scattered from a beam or plasma due to interactions with external fields or other particles. This ejection can occur perpendicular to the main direction of particle motion.

In particle accelerators, sidepumping can be a consequence of instabilities within the beam. For instance, transverse electromagnetic fields can exert forces on the charged particles, pushing them outwards. If these forces are strong enough, particles can be lost from the main accelerator beam, impacting the efficiency and luminosity of experiments. Understanding and mitigating sidepumping is crucial for maintaining beam quality and achieving desired performance.

In plasma physics, sidepumping can refer to the escape of charged particles from a confined plasma. This can happen at the boundaries of the plasma or due to turbulent processes within it. For example, in magnetic confinement fusion devices, sidepumping can contribute to plasma losses that need to be compensated for. The mechanisms of sidepumping in plasmas are diverse, involving interactions with magnetic field lines, collective plasma waves, and collisions. The study of sidepumping helps researchers understand plasma confinement and transport properties.