Whistler and Alfvén Mode Cyclotron Masers in Space

This book describes whistler and Alfvén cyclotron masers for researchers and graduates in space science, solar-terrestrial physics, and plasma physics.

V. Y. Trakhtengerts (Author), M. J. Rycroft (Author)

9780521871983, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 November 2008

366 pages
25.3 x 17.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.88 kg

The subject of wave-particle interactions occurring in space plasmas has developed strongly, both observationally and theoretically, since the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts of energetic charged particles trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere over forty years ago. These wave-particle interactions are recognized today as being a most important research topic in space plasma physics. This book provides a full and systematic description of the physical theory of whistler and Alfvén cyclotron masers acting in planetary magnetospheres, and in the Sun's outer atmosphere. The book introduces research topics by examining significant problems in the subject. It gives sufficient detail on the topic that readers can go on to apply the methods presented to new problems, helping them with their own research. This book is a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students working in space science, solar-terrestrial physics, plasma physics, and planetary sciences.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Basic theory of cyclotron masers (CMs)
3. Linear theory of the cyclotron instability (CI)
4. Backward wave oscillator (BWO) regime in CMs
5. Nonlinear cyclotron wave-particle interactions for a quasi-monochromatic wave
6. Nonlinear interaction of quasi-monochromatic whistler mode waves with gyroresonant electrons in an in homogeneous plasma
7. Wavelet amplification in an inhomogeneous plasma
8. Quasi-linear theory of cyclotron masers
9. Nonstationary generation regimes, and modulation effects
10. ELF/VLF noise-like emissions and electrons in the Earth's radiation belts
11. Generation of discrete ELF/VLF whistler mode emissions
12. Cyclotron instability of the proton radiation belts
13. Cyclotron masers elsewhere in the solar system and in laboratory plasma devices
Epilogue
Glossary of terms
List of acronyms
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Space science [TTD], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Atmospheric physics [PHVJ], Plasma physics [PHFP]