Particle Simulation Study of Obliquely Propagating Whistler Waves in Low‐Beta Plasmas

Abstract

AbstractWhistler mode waves, which are electromagnetic emissions commonly observed in various space plasma environments, play critical roles in electron dynamics. While most whistler waves are driven by temperature anisotropy and propagate parallel to the background magnetic field, these waves can also be excited in the oblique direction when electron plasma beta is very low (<0.025). Although linear theory accounts for the excitation processes of obliquely propagating whistler waves, the subsequent evolution and saturation processes remain inadequately understood. This study utilizes two‐dimensional self‐consistent simulations to investigate the complete wave‐particle interaction process. By scanning a broad parameter range, we derive scaling laws for the wave intensity, linking the wave properties to initial and final plasma conditions. The saturated temperature anisotropy from simulations can explain the upper bound anisotropy constraint observed by spacecraft well. Additional phase space analysis shows that both Landau and cyclotron resonance play critical roles in the evolution of electron velocity distribution, albeit in different energy ranges. Oblique whistler waves can effectively heat electrons through Landau resonance, creating a plateau distribution in the parallel direction. This research advances our understanding of the mechanisms behind obliquely propagating whistler waves in low‐beta plasmas and their impact on electron dynamics.