Particle simulations of ion cloud in a magnetic field

This work describes a 3D time-dependent particle simulation algorithm used to model the electrodynamics of ion clouds in magnetic fields. The algorithm includes step-wise sequential stages of field evaluation, particle push, and boundary detection. Composite fields due to the ion cloud are computed by superimposing solutions for discrete point sources, together with the use of ground plane and image plane symmetries. A second-order modified Euler predictor-corrector method is used for integration of the equations of motion. Results are presented for an ion cloud under the influence of a bias E-field and the B-field from a magnetized spherical carrier bead used in laser printing applications. We consider cases with the dipole axis oriented parallel and perpendicular to the direction of cloud motion.