E×B Drift

A universal plasma drift set by crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Charged particles in crossed electric and magnetic fields drift perpendicular to both at the same velocity regardless of charge — the E×B drift. It governs plasma rotation and edge flows.

The E×B drift moves all particles at the same velocity regardless of charge, so it does not separate charge but does set bulk rotation and edge flows. Sheared E×B flow is one of the main mechanisms that suppresses turbulence, underlying both the H-mode edge barrier and internal transport barriers.