Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation is a computational method used to model the behavior of plasma or charged particles. It combines tracking individual particles (like electrons and ions) with calculating the electric and magnetic fields they generate. The simulation maps particles onto a grid, computes fields based on their positions, then updates particle motions accordingly. This iterative process helps scientists understand complex plasma dynamics, such as confinement in fusion devices or space weather phenomena, by providing a detailed, self-consistent picture of particle interactions and field evolution over time.