PIC (particle-in-cell) simulations

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are computational methods used to model how charged particles, like electrons and ions, interact with electromagnetic fields. In this approach, particles are represented as individual points, and their collective behavior influences, and is influenced by, the electric and magnetic fields on a grid. The simulation updates the particles' positions and velocities based on these fields, which are in turn calculated from the particles’ distributions. This technique allows scientists to study complex plasma and beam phenomena, capturing detailed particle dynamics while efficiently handling the large number of particles and fields involved.