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Cyclotron harmonic lines in magnetic fluctuations of spiralling electrons in plasmas

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters; (United States)
;  [1]
  1. Department of Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024-1547 (United States)
The magnetic fluctuation spectrum in a magnetoplasma containing energetic electrons is observed to exhibit many lines at the cyclotron harmonics ([omega]=[ital n][omega][sub [ital c][ital e]], [ital n]=1. . .15). It is shown that these fluctuations are neither due to cyclotron radiation nor due to velocity-space instabilities but due to coherent solenoidal fields produced by electron cyclotron orbits and excited by thermal fluctuations. Such line spectra, observed in discharges and beam-plasma systems, may be useful for precise magnetic field diagnostics in plasmas.
OSTI ID:
6879953
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (United States) Vol. 70:7; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English