Analytical Studies of Wave Modes with Transverse Static Electric Fields
Abstract
The ion-cyclotron instability has been of considerable interest in the study of space, as well as laboratory plasmas. Various non-local aspects due to magnetic shear were discussed. A novel mechanism for the generation of electrostatic ion-cyclotron like modes was recently proposed. According to this picture, a non-uniform transverse electric field produces regions of negative and positive wave energies and a non-local wave packet can couple these domains, with a resultant transfer of energy which allows the wave mode to grow. The dispersion relation for sharp boundary electric field had been developed which brought out the essential physical mechanism for the instability. To develop a treatment for an electric field with a smooth profile and determine the ensuing changes in the dispersion relation was one of the problems to be explored. Going beyond the second order differential equation formulation was another generalization to be considered. Also to be considered was the comparison of the above mentioned instability with the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability for the corresponding field profiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA205662
Entities
People
- P. Bakshi
Organizations
- Boston College