Abstract
Numerical simulations of the ion‐ion instability carried out with parameters suitable to the description of the plasma in the high‐altitude auroral region of the Earth show a very fast evolution of the electron distribution function that cannot be explained by the quasi‐linear theory. A detailed analysis of this phenomenon has been carried on. A model based on the reflection of electrons against potential structures created during the linear phase of the ion‐ion instability is discussed. The lifetime of the potential structures, which is longer than one ion gyroperiod, can be explained by the linear theory of the ion‐ion instability. A simple statistical model of these potential structures enables us to reproduce accurately the evolution of the electron distribution function.
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