A New Cyclotron Maser Mechanism Observations and Theory
Abstract
We present a new cyclotron maser type instability driven by a crescent or horseshaped electron distribution function. Such distribution functions are easily created by an electron beam moving into a stronger magnetic field region, where conservation of the first adiabatic invariant causes an increase in their pitch angle. This produces a broad region on the distribution function where there is a +ve slope in the perpendicular component of the velocity space distribution function. Planetary dipole magnetic fields are examples of where these types of distributions can be found, giving rise for example to the earth's auroral kilometric radiation and Jupiter's decametric radiation signatures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADP015049
Entities
People
- A. Cairns
- A. D. Phelps
- R. Bingham
Organizations
- University of Strathclyde