Recirculation in multiple wave conversions

A one-dimensional multiple wave-conversion model is constructed that allows energy recirculation in ray phase space. Using a modular eikonal approach, the connection coefficients for this model are calculated by ray phase-space methods. Analytical results (confirmed numerically) show that all connection coefficients exhibit interference effects that depend on an interference phase, calculated from the coupling constants and the area enclosed by the intersecting rays. This conceptual model, which focuses on the topology of intersecting rays in phase space, is used to investigate how mode conversion between primary and secondary waves is modified by the presence of a tertiary wave

Resonant Absorption as Mode Conversion?

Resonant absorption and mode conversion are both extensively studied mechanisms for wave "absorption" in solar magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). But are they really distinct? We re-examine a well-known simple resonant absorption model in a cold MHD plasma that places the resonance inside an evanescent region. The normal mode solutions display the standard singular resonant features. However, these same normal modes may be used to construct a ray bundle which very clearly undergoes mode conversion to an Alfv\'en wave with no singularities. We therefore conclude that resonant absorption and mode conversion are in fact the same thing, at least for this model problem. The prime distinguishing characteristic that determines which of the two descriptions is most natural in a given circumstance is whether the converted wave can provide a net escape of energy from the conversion/absorption region of physical space. If it cannot, it is forced to run away in wavenumber space instead, thereby generating the arbitrarily small scales in situ that we recognize as fundamental to resonant absorption and phase mixing. On the other hand, if the converted wave takes net energy way, singularities do not develop, though phase mixing may still develop with distance as the wave recedes.Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables; accepted by Solar Phys (July 9 2010

Collective Modes in Neutrino `Beam' Electron-Positron Plasma Interactions

We derive semiclassical neutrino-electron transport equations in the collisionless (Vlasov) limit from the coupled Dirac equations, incorporating the charged and neutral weak current-current as well as electromagnetic interactions. A corresponding linear response theory is derived. In particular, we calculate the response functions for a variety of beam-plasma geometries, which are of interest in a supernova scenario. We apply this to the study of plasmons and to a new class of collective {\it pharon} resonance modes, which are characterized by $\omega < q$. We find that the growth rates of the unstable modes correspond to a strongly temperature ($\propto T_\nu^2T_e^3$) and linearly momentum dependent e-folding length of about $10^{10}$ km under typical conditions for Type II supernovae. This appears to rule out such long-wavelength collective modes as an efficient means of depositing neutrino energy into the plasma sphere.Comment: 27 pages; LaTex. Replaced by published version. - Appendix about neutrino Wigner functions added and main text correspondingly revised. Conclusions unchange

Variational formulation of kinetic-bulk multiple-wave conversion in fusion plasmas

We present a variational formulation of a generic multiple-wave conversion process [1] between a kinetic-ion plasma wave, supported by a non-Maxwellian distribution of energetic particles, and one or two plasma waves supported by bulk-ions with Maxwellian distributions. The variational approach yields important conservation laws (e.g., action), that help us understand how rf power is exchanged between the bulk-ion species and the kinetic-ion species. We also discuss the implications of a kinetic-ion plasma wave with negative energy on the multiple-wave conversion process

Magnetic field generation from Self-Consistent collective neutrino-plasma interactions

A new Lagrangian formalism for self-consistent collective neutrino-plasma interactions is presented in which each neutrino species is described as a classical ideal fluid. The neutrino-plasma fluid equations are derived from a covariant relativistic variational principle in which finite-temperature effects are retained. This new formalism is then used to investigate the generation of magnetic fields and the production of magnetic helicity as a result of collective neutrino-plasma interactions

Guiding-centre transformation of the radiation-reaction force in a non-uniform magnetic field

In this paper, we present the guiding-centre transformation of the radiation-reaction force of a classical point charge travelling in a non-uniform magnetic field. The transformation is valid as long as the gyroradius of the charged particles is much smaller than the magnetic field non-uniformity length scale, so that the guiding-centre Lie-transform method is applicable. Elimination of the gyromotion time scale from the radiation-reaction force is obtained with the Poisson-bracket formalism originally introduced by Brizard (Phys. Plasmas, vol.11, 2004, 4429-4438), where it was used to eliminate the fast gyromotion from the Fokker-Planck collision operator. The formalism presented here is applicable to the motion of charged particles in planetary magnetic fields as well as in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas, where the corresponding so-called synchrotron radiation can be detected. Applications of the guiding-centre radiation-reaction force include tracing of charged particle orbits in complex magnetic fields as well as the kinetic description of plasma when the loss of energy and momentum due to radiation plays an important role, e.g.for runaway-electron dynamics in tokamak