Whistler and Alfvén Mode Cyclotron Masers in Space
Whistler and Alfvén Mode Cyclotron Masers in Space
M. J. Rycroft, Cranfield University, UK
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.
- The first book to provide a full and systematic description of the physical theory of cyclotron masers acting in planetary magnetospheres and in the Sun's outer atmosphere
- Each chapter begins with clearly stated objectives, and concludes with a concise summary of results
- Treats significant present research problems, introducing the reader to current research topics
Product details
November 2008Hardback
9780521871983
366 pages
253 × 178 × 21 mm
0.88kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 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.
