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Nonlinear, periodic waves in a cold plasma: a quantitative analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

A. C.-L. Chian  and
P. C. Clemmow
A. C.-L. Chian
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge
P. C. Clemmow
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge
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Abstract

The exact theory of a wave of fixed profile travelling with speed c/n (0 < n < 1) through a uniform, cold, collisionless, unmagnetized plasma is investigated for the case in which the electric field has a non-zero transverse component, which lies in a fixed direction. The governing equations, referred to the frame of reference in which there is no space dependence, are studied analytically in each limit n→0, n→1. and by computation for other values of n. It is shown that, for each value of n, there is, in general, just one periodic solution of an arbitrarily given amplitude; and a quantitative description of these periodic solutions is provided in graphical form. A simple ‘dispersion relation’ is obtained for large- amplitude waves.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , December 1975 , pp. 505 - 527
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

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References

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