Dynamics of Plasma Structures Interacting with External and Self-Generated Magnetic Fields

iii This thesis is dedicated in loving memory to my father, who devoted his life to family. iv Acknowledgements My first encounter with Caltech was a pleasing scent surrounding the campus in a night of March, 2002. Although it aggravated my allergy in the next few years, my memories of Caltech are filled with gratefulness as pleasant as the scent thanks to the people who have been with me. I am deeply grateful to my advisor, Prof. Paul M. Bellan. In classroom, laboratory, and office, his thoughtful mentorship for my academic progress and genuine interest in science always encouraged me to endeavor in research. I find it still amazing and grateful at the same time that, whenever I made a mistake in experiment, Paul always encouraged me by telling a story about himself or someone else making a similar mistake. I also enjoyed his many entertaining stories during lunch