Effects of the distribution function of non-thermal electrons and of cyclotron resonant absorption on millisecond radio spikes

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of electron-cyclotron maser instabilities indicates that the distribution function of non-thermal electrons influences millisecond radio spikes in solar flares, and that a hollow beam distribution is more likely than a loss-cone distribution. The restrictions of classical theories of cyclotron resonant absorption are discussed and a formula is derived for the absorption coefficient near the resonant frequency. Finally, the computations show that for typical coronal parameters, the growth rates of the fundamental of fast extraordinary modes are much faster than those of their second harmonics; and because the directional angle of the fundamental is smaller, its resonant absorption may be neglected. Moreover, the band-width of the fundamental is consistent with observation of radio spikes; therefore, we claim that the millisecond radio spikes in the decimetric range are composed mainly of fundamentals of the fast extraordinary modes. The second harmonics of fast extraordinary modes may be generated for directions near to the vertical to the magnetic field, but it is impossible to observe both fundamental and second harmonics in the same direction.