Laboratory Observations of Ion-Cyclotron Waves Associated with a Double Layer in an Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field.

Abstract

Observations of coherent electrostatic ion-cyclotron (EIC) waves associated with a strong, magnetized double layer are presented. The double layers are produced by applying a positive potential to an electrode located in a diverging, solenoidal magnetic field region of a weakly ionized argon plasma. Ionization within the electrode sheath is essential to the formation of these double layers. The resulting V-shaped potential structures have extended parallel, oblique and perpendicular electric field components. The frequency of the ion-cyclotron instability is dependent upon the position of the magnetic field-aligned potential structure. The propagation properties of the EIC waves are presented, and a discussion is given of the possible excitation mechanisms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA156624

Entities

People

  • M. J. Alport
  • R. L. Merlino
  • S. L. Cartier

Organizations

  • University of Iowa

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Cyclotron Waves
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Beams
  • Free Energy
  • Frequency
  • Ion Beam Injection
  • Ion Beams
  • Ionosphere
  • Langmuir Probes
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Physics
  • Standing Waves
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics