Abstract
Shear Alfvén waves are studied in the kinetic and inertial regimes. The waves are launched from an antenna which is on the order of the electron collisionless skin-depth, δ=c/ωpe, in size. The experiment is performed in the LArge Plasma Device, LAPD [W. Gekelman et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 62, 2875 (1991)] at the University of California, Los Angeles, using a new antenna design that modulates parallel plasma electron current. The plasma is 100 skin-depths in diameter and 3.6 Alfvén wavelengths long. The results include the calculation of the wave currents based on measurements of the wave magnetic field. Differences in the perpendicular phase velocity of the wave in the kinetic regime as compared to the inertial regime are also reported. Results generally compare favorably with predictions of a theory which includes collisional damping and kinetic electron dynamics with fluid ions.
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.
