Structure and transportation of electron vortices in near-critical density plasmas driven by ultrashort intense laser pulses

Structure and transportation of electron vortices in near-critical density plasmas driven by ultrashort intense laser pulses have been studied by multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Dimensional features of electron vortices are revealed. In two-dimensional geometry, two electron vortices and a quasi-static magnetic dipole are closely coupled. In three-dimensional geometry, a moving electron vortex ring associated with a closed magnetic ring moves in near-critical density plasmas. Such structure can transport some energy to the region where the laser pulse cannot reach. It is found that the motion of plasma ions makes the vortex magnetic energy dissipate quickly. These studies provide possible connection of electron vortices in nature with laser plasma experiments.