INTERACTION OF FAST CHARGED PARTICLES WITH A PLASMA.
Abstract
The hydromagnetic equations are solved for the electrostatic field distribution of a charged test particle in a plasma. When electrons are accelerated by the electrostatic field of the test particle they emit electromagnetic radiation. The spectrum of this radiation is calculated. When the test particle moves slower than the thermal electron speed, the electrostatic field of the test particle is a shielded and distorted Coulomb potential (i. e. a distorted Debye potential). When the test particle moves faster than the thermal electron speed, the plasma perturbations are contained within a Mach cone trailing the test particle. When two or more test particles move together supersonically through the plasma, even harmonics of the resonant frequency arise in a natural manner. Possible applications of this theory to non-thermal radio emission of solar bursts are pointed out. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0601658
Entities
People
- Martin D. Altschuler
Organizations
- Yale University