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Title: Electron trapping in the solar magnetic field and emission of decimetric continuum radio bursts

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/158303· OSTI ID:6918820

The conditions for confinement of energetic electrons in the solar corona are studied with respect to the influence of electrostatic waves, which have been suggested to cause type IV/sub dm/ decimetric continuum emission. A hydrodynamic approach is taken for simplicity. The unstable growth of these waves is found to be effectively limited by a change of the particle gyroperiod in the electric field of the wave detuning the resonance. Saturation of wave energy density occurs at a low level, which is proportional to the fraction of energetic particles. The low wave level excludes induced scattering on thermal ions for the hydrodynamic instability. A new model is proposed based on conversion by interaction with low-frequency waves, in particular, lower hybrid waves, which are known to exist in loss-cone situations of the magnetosphere. The fraction of energetic particles of the plasma necessary for the observed radio flux allows trapping times of the order of minutes. Oscillations of the saturation wave amplitude are found.

Research Organization:
Radio Astronomy Group, Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule, Zurich
OSTI ID:
6918820
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 242:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English