Solar Wind Strahl Broadening by Self-generated Plasma Waves

Citation:
Solar Wind Strahl Broadening by Self-generated Plasma Waves, Pavan, J., Viñas A. F., Yoon P. H., Ziebell L. F., and Gaelzer R. , The Astrophysical Journal Letters, June, Volume 769, Number 2, p.L30, (2013)

Abstract:

This Letter reports on the results of numerical simulations which may provide a possible explanation for the strahl broadening during quiet solar conditions. The relevant processes involved in the broadening are due to kinetic quasi-linear wave-particle interaction. Making use of static analytical electron distribution in an inhomogeneous field, it is found that self-generated electrostatic waves at the plasma frequency, i.e., Langmuir waves, are capable of scattering the strahl component, resulting in energy and pitch-angle diffusion that broadens its velocity distribution significantly. The present theoretical results provide an alternative or complementary explanation to the usual whistler diffusion scenario, suggesting that self-induced electrostatic waves at the plasma frequency might play a key role in broadening the solar wind strahl during quiet solar conditions.

Notes:

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