Abstract
The nonlinear decay of a kinetic Alfvén wave into another kinetic Alfvén wave and a drift wave is studied. In the collisionless regime the growth rate of drift waves is found to be comparable to the ion acoustic decay rate. Temperature gradient driven drift waves with larger growth rates are also excited. Effects of spatial inhomogeneity are considered using a perturbative scheme, and the condition for an absolute drift instability is obtained. The nonlinear process studied here could have application in the Alfvén heating scheme where the excited kinetic Alfvén wave has an enhanced amplitude.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
