Nonlinear Instability of Bernstein Modes Pumped by an Electromagnetic Wave,
Abstract
The author has investigated, by means of computer experiments, the nonlinear decay intability of Bernstein modes pumped by an electromagnetic wave, and the subsequent heating of the plasma electrons. It was found that four pairs of Bernstein modes became unstable, and grew to large amplitudes. Each pair together with the electromagnetic wave satisfied the criteria for wave-wave interaction. The Bernstein modes would finally saturate. The kinetic energy of the plasma electrons would then begin to increase, and over the time the code was allowed to run, the electrons would have their energy increased by a factor of 4. Saturation occurred when the coulomb force on a particle due to the electric field of the Bernstein mode became of the order of magnitude of the lorentz force on that particle due to the DC magnetic field. The particle probably had its orbital motion destroyed and became trapped briefly in the potential wells of the Bernstein mode. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0731067
Entities
People
- R. N. Carlile
Organizations
- Princeton University