Characteristics of Branched Flows of High-Current Relativistic Electron Beams in Porous Materials

Abstract: Branched flow is a universal phenomenon in which treebranch-like filaments form through traveling waves or particle flows in irregular mediums. Branched flow of high-current relativistic electron beams (REBs) has been recently discovered [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{130}, 185001 (2023)]. It exhibits unique features, including remarkably high beam density at predictable caustic locations, efficient energy coupling between the beam and background medium, etc. This paper presents investigations on REB branching, focusing on the influence of interaction parameters on branching patterns and providing detailed analyses of the dynamics of individual beam electrons. The insights gained contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate nature of REB branching and its potential applications in the future.