Quadruple Beltrami field structures in electron–positron multi-ion plasma

Abstract

Abstract A quadruple Beltrami (QB) equilibrium state for a four-component plasma that consists of inertial electrons, positrons, lighter positive (H+) ions and heavier negative ions O 2 − $\left({\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{-}\right)$ is derived and investigated. The QB relaxed state is a linear superposition of four distinct single Beltrami fields and provides the possibility of the formation of four self-organized vortices of different length scales. In addition, robust magnetofluid coupling characterizes this non-force-free state. The analysis of the QB state also shows that by adjusting the generalized helicities and densities of plasma species, the formation of multiscale structures as well as the paramagnetic and diamagnetic behavior of the relaxed state can be controlled.