Entropy maximization and instability in uniformly magnetized plasmas

• A way to overcome the Child–Langmuir law is studied.
• The magnetic mirror effect mitigates the space-charge effect.
• The value of the achievable current depends on the magnetic field configuration.

A regime in which a uniformly magnetized plasma does not maximize the entropy and possibly becomes unstable to a spatial perturbation in the magnetic field is explored. The physical implication is considered in the context of current generation, magnetic field reconnection, and the dynamo effect.