Asymptotic Orbit Theory for Trapped Electrons in Inhomogeneous Whistler Field.
Abstract
The particle trapping phenomenon that occurs in the Whistler emission process is more complex than the trapping by an infinite wave in a homogeneous system. Because of the inhomogeneous background magnetic field and the antiparallel electron and wave velocities, electrons experience trapping for only a finite length of their orbits. Successive trapping and detrapping events occur, even for an infinite wave train. A self-consistent theory for the emission process requires knowledge of the orbits throughout these different phases. One must follow the electrons for many trapping periods and accurately track the phase so that the detrapping point can be computed. The present report describes an asymptotic theory that allows this to be done, basically by finding an adiabatic invariant of the trapped electron motion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146178
Entities
People
- G. Hilfer
- K. Molvig
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology