Generation of quasi-isotropic electron population during nonlinear beam-plasma interaction

Citation:
Generation of quasi-isotropic electron population during nonlinear beam-plasma interaction, Pavan, J., Ziebell L. F., Yoon P. H., and Gaelzer R. , Journal of Geophysical Research, January, Volume 115, Number A1, p.A01103, (2010)

Abstract:

The nonlinear interaction of a single or a bidirectional electron beam and a background plasma is analyzed on the basis of electrostatic weak turbulence theory. It is found that for a sufficiently high electron beam density, the nonlinear interaction produces quasi-isotropic electron population. This is in contrast to our previous finding in which a relatively low electron beam density was adopted, and for which complete isotropization was not achieved. The present finding may thus provide a possible explanation for the observed isotropic solar wind electron distribution within the context of electrostatic nonlinear theory involving Langmuir and ion-sound turbulence, without the resorting to additional mechanisms such as the pitch angle scattering by electromagnetic whistler turbulence.

Notes:

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