This paper provides perspectives on recent progress in understanding the physics of devices in which the external magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the discharge current. This configuration generates a strong electric field that acts to accelerate ions. The many applications of this set up include generation of thrust for spacecraft propulsion and separation of species in plasma mass separation devices. These “E × B” plasmas are subject to plasma–wall interaction effects and to various micro- and macroinstabilities. In many devices we also observe the emergence of anomalous transport. This perspective presents the current understanding of the physics of these phenomena and state-of-the-art computational results, identifies critical questions, and suggests directions for future research.

中文翻译：

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与等离子体推进和类似技术相关的 E × B 放电物理学

本文提供了对最近在理解外部磁场垂直于放电电流的设备的物理学方面取得的进展的观点。这种配置会产生一个强电场来加速离子。该装置的许多应用包括产生用于航天器推进的推力和等离子体质量分离装置中的物种分离。这些“E×B”等离子体受等离子体-壁相互作用效应以及各种微观和宏观不稳定性的影响。在许多设备中，我们还观察到异常传输的出现。这个观点展示了目前对这些现象的物理学和最先进的计算结果的理解，确定了关键问题，并为未来的研究提出了建议。