The whistler mode refractive index as a function of gyrofrequency

Journal Article · Mon Aug 15 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3622653· OSTI ID:22043454

Albert, J M ^[1]

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1. Air Force Research Laboratory/RVBX, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117 (United States)

The refractive index for a constant-frequency whistler mode wave in an electron-proton plasma is considered as a function of position, through the local gyrofrequencies {Omega}{sub e,i}. The full cold plasma dispersion relation is used. The wave frequency can take any value up to the smaller of {Omega}{sub e} and the plasma frequency {omega}{sub pe}, but {omega}{sub pe} is allowed to take any fixed value, as is the wavenormal angle. It is rigorously established that the refractive index is a decreasing function of {Omega}{sub e}. One application of this is to finding locations of Landau and cyclotron resonances, to evaluate the effects of whistler mode waves on radiation belt electrons.

• OSTI ID: 22043454
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 18, Issue 8; Other Information: (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COLD PLASMA
CYCLOTRON RESONANCE
DISPERSION RELATIONS
ELECTRONS
GYROFREQUENCY
LANGMUIR FREQUENCY
PROTONS
RADIATION BELTS
REFRACTIVE INDEX
WHISTLER INSTABILITY
WHISTLERS