Observation of nonlinear wave decay processes in the solar wind by the AMPTE IRM plasma wave experiment
Abstract
Nonlinear wave decay processes have been detected in the solar wind by the plasma wave experiment aboard the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) IRM spacecraft. The main process is the generation of ultralow-frequency ion acoustic waves from the decay of Langmuir waves near the electron plasma frequency. Frequently, this is accompanied by an enhancement of emissions near twice the plasma frequency. This enhancement is most likely due to the generation of electromagnetic waves from the coalescence of two Langmuir waves. These processes occur within the electron foreshock in front of the earth's bow shock.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- June 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JA092iA06p05865
- Bibcode:
- 1987JGR....92.5865K
- Keywords:
-
- Ampte (Satellites);
- Plasma Waves;
- Solar Wind;
- Space Plasmas;
- Wave Attenuation;
- Electrostatic Waves;
- Ion Acoustic Waves;
- Plasma Decay;
- Plasma Frequencies;
- Wave Interaction