On the nature of particle energization via resonant wave-particle interaction in the inhomogeneous magnetospheric plasma
When a quasi-monochromatic wave propagating in an inhomogeneous magnetoplasma has sufficiently large amplitude, there exist phase-trapped resonant particles whose energy increases or decreases depending on the "sign" of inhomogeneity. The variation of energy density of such particles ca...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Copernicus Publications
2011-06-01
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| Series: | Annales Geophysicae |
| Online Access: | https://www.ann-geophys.net/29/1179/2011/angeo-29-1179-2011.pdf |
| Summary: | When a quasi-monochromatic wave propagating in an inhomogeneous magnetoplasma has sufficiently
large amplitude, there exist phase-trapped resonant particles whose energy increases or decreases
depending on the "sign" of inhomogeneity. The variation of energy density of such particles
can greatly exceed the wave energy density which contradicts energy conservation under the prevalent
assumption that the wave serves as the energy source or sink. We show that, in fact, the energy increase
(or decrease) of phase-trapped particles is related to energy transfer from (to) phase untrapped particles,
while the wave basically mediates the energization process. Virtual importance of this comprehension consists
in setting proper quantitative constraints on attainable particle energy. The results have immediate applications
to at least two fundamental problems in the magnetospheric physics, i.e. particle dynamics
in the radiation belts and whistler-triggered emissions. |
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| ISSN: | 0992-7689 1432-0576 |