Numerical modeling of current flow in a vacuum diode with laser ignition

The paper deals with a mathematical model and a numerical analysis technique developed for simulations of processes occurring in a vacuum diode where an electrical current is induced by a laser pulse effect on a cathode surface. The model is 2D with respect to spatial variables and describes the laser plasma “plume” forming, as well as magnetohydrodynamic effects (pinching, etc.) caused by the electric current passage through the plasma. We also consider the results of the first computational experiments with the developed model.