Theory of the thermal parametric instability in an inhomogeneous plasma

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6177923

Grach, S M; Karashtin, A N; Mityakov, N A; Rapoport, V O; Trakhtengerts, V Y

The linear stage of the thermal parametric instability in an inhomogeneous magnetized plasma is analyzed. An inhomogeneity of the medium is of fundamental importance for this instability, determining the threshold amplitude of the pump wave. Under the approximations adopted, this instability arises only if there is a turning point for the plasma waves. The instability threshold is well below that for the electrical parametric instability, which is usually invoked in explaining the onset of plasma turbulence near the reflection point for an electromagnetic wave. The instability threshold is found. The instability growth rate is found as a function of the transverse characteristic dimension of the density inhomogeneities which are excited and as a function of the pump amplitude.

• Research Organization: Scientific-Research Radiophysics Institute, Gor'kii
• OSTI ID: 6177923
• Journal Information: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 4:6; ISSN SJPPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
AMBIPOLAR DIFFUSION
DIFFUSION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
F REGION
HEATING
HIGH-FREQUENCY HEATING
INHOMOGENEOUS PLASMA
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
IONOSPHERE
PARAMETRIC INSTABILITIES
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
RADIATIONS
TURBULENCE