Particle-in-cell Simulations

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are computational methods used to model plasma or particle-based systems. They track individual particles' behaviors, such as electrons or ions, while simultaneously calculating the electric and magnetic fields they influence. The process involves dividing space into a grid, assigning particles to grid points, and updating particle positions and velocities based on force calculations. This approach allows scientists to study complex interactions in plasmas, electromagnetic phenomena, or accelerator physics with high accuracy, providing insights into how particles and fields evolve over time in environments difficult to observe directly.