Quasilinear analysis of loss-cone driven weakly relativistic electron cyclotron maser instability

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871459· OSTI ID:165104

Ziebell, L F ^[1]; Yoon, P H ^[2]

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1. Instituto de Fisica, UFRGS, Caixa Postal 15051, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil)
2. Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742 (United States)

This paper presents a quasilinear analysis of the relativistic electron cyclotron maser instability. Two electron populations are assumed: a low-temperature background component and a more energetic loss-cone population. The dispersion relation is valid for any ratio of the energetic to cold populations, and includes thermal and relativistic effects. The quasilinear analysis is based upon an efficient kinetic moment method, in which various moment equations are derived from the particle kinetic equation. A model time-dependent loss-cone electron distribution function is assumed, which allows one to evaluate the instantaneous linear growth rate as well as the moment kinetic equations. These moment equations along with the wave kinetic equation form a fully self-consistent set of equations which governs the evolution of the particles as well as unstable waves. This set of equations is solved with physical parameters typical of the earth`s auroral zone plasma. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.

• OSTI ID: 165104
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 2; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
AURORAL ZONES
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELECTRON CYCLOTRON-RESONANCE
ELECTRON GAS
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
KINETIC EQUATIONS
LOSS CONE INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
RELATIVISTIC RANGE