Comparison of Quasi-Linear Predictions With A Computer Simulation of Whistler Waves In Unstable Plasmas

S. Cuperman, L. R. Lyons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The quasi-linear concept of plateau formation along resonant diffusion surfaces is compared with the time evolution of the electron distribution function during a computer simulation experiment of whistler-mode waves in unstable plasmas. It is found that, as the wave intensities grow, plateau formation does indeed occur, with the distribution function becoming constant along diffusion surfaces at the time when wave intensities maximize. Following the formation of the plateaus, both the wave intensities and the slope of the distribution function along diffusion surfaces oscillate in a manner suggesting mode-mode coupling. The slope of the distribution function along diffusion surfaces, which controls the linear wave growth rate, also gives good predictions of the sign of the actual wave growth rate during the experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)397-401
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Plasma Physics
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1974
Externally publishedYes

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