Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 June 2009
Nonlinear resonant interaction between energetic particles and quasi-electrostatic wave propagating perpendicularly to the ambient magnetic field in a homogeneous plasma is studied in detail, with the main focus on the wave amplification or attenuation caused by resonant interaction. As for k∥ → 0, resonance velocity determined from linear resonance conditions tends to infinity, the interaction under discussion is a completely nonlinear phenomenon. While the wave amplitude may increase or decrease depending on the wave parameters and integral characteristics of the energetic particle distribution function, an essential wave amplification may occur when the wave frequency is close to a multiple of cyclotron harmonic, and when the transversal energy of resonant particles is large enough.