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Nonlinear theory of cosmic-ray pitch-angle diffusion in homogeneous magnetostatic turbulence

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/154239· OSTI ID:7195001
A plasma strong turbulence, weak coupling, theory is applied to the problem of cosmic-ray pitch-angle scattering in magnetostatic turbulence. The theory used is a rigorous generalization of Weinstock's ''resonance broadening'' theory and contains no ad hoc approximations. A detailed calculation is presented for a model of ''slab'' turbulence with an exponential correlation function. The results agree well with numerical simulations. The rigidity dependence of the pitch-angle scattering coefficient differs from that found by previous researchers. The differences result from an inadequate treatment of particle trajectories near 90degree pitch angle in earlier work. (AIP)
Research Organization:
Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
OSTI ID:
7195001
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 204:3; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English