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Self-focusing of whistler wavesThe theory of axially symmetric self-focusing of whistler waves, based on the full system of Maxwell equations, is developed. The plasma is described by the magnetohydrodynamic equations including the ponderomotive force from RF field. The nonlinear Schrodinger equations (NSE) for arbitrary azimuthal modes of whistler waves are derived. It is shown that they differ from the NSE for a scalar field; this is connected with an intrinsic angular momentum due to the rotating polarization of whistlers. It is shown that the self-focusing, as described by the NSE, differs in its final stage from the results following the full set of Maxwell equations. The latter gives defocusing after sufficient narrowing of the initial wave beam, due to transformation of the trapped wave into a nontrapped branch which is not contained in the NSE description. The oscillatory character of the defocusing is demonstrated.
Document ID
19930027483
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Karpman, V. I.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kaufman, R. N.
(IZMIRAN, Troitsk, Russia; Riso National Lab. Roskilde, Denmark)
Shagalov, A. G.
(Russian Academy of Sciences Inst. of Metal Physics, Yekaterinburg, Russia)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of Fluids B
Volume: 4
Issue: 10
ISSN: 0899-8221
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
93A11480
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1483
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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