Thermal parametric instability in an inhomogeneous plasma (nonlinear theory)

Journal Article · Tue Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1978 · Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6370691

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

A nonlinear theory is derived for the thermal parametric instability in an inhomogeneous plasma in the weak-turbulence approximation. The instability reaches a saturation level because of nonlinear absorption of the pump wave as this wave is converted into plasma waves at fine-scale density inhomogeneities. The intensity of the density fluctuations and the plasma-wave level in the saturation stage are found. There is a hysteresis effect in the instability: The instability is cut off at a pump amplitude far lower than the instability threshold. The theoretical results are compared with experiment.

• Research Organization: Scientific-Research Radiophysics Institute, Gor'kii
• OSTI ID: 6370691
• 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
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYSTERESIS
INHOMOGENEOUS PLASMA
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
IONOSPHERE
PARAMETRIC INSTABILITIES
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
RADIATIONS
TURBULENCE