Excitation of ion-acoustic-like waves by subcritical currents in a plasma having equal electron and ion temperatures.
The effect of a magnetic-field-aligned plasma flow with a transverse velocity gradient on the excitation of current-driven ion-acoustic-like waves in a plasma having equal electron and ion temperatures (T(e) = T(i)) was investigated experimentally. In agreement with theoretical predictions, the presence of sheared plasma flow substantially reduces the critical electron drift velocity needed to produce the ion-acoustic instability.
Agrimson
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E
Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
D'Angelo
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N
Merlino
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RL