Stochastic diffusion of ions due to a finite set of lower hybrid waves.

Abstract

In this paper we generalize the discussion on stochastic diffusion of energetic ions by lower hybrid waves by considering a case where a set of waves with similar frequencies is present in the system. In the particular case of a finite number of coherent waves, we show that the threshold for stochastic diffusion is reduced in comparison with the threshold in the one-wave case, and that the ensuing particle diffusion in velocity space occurs in periodic bursts along the time evolution. In the more general case of a set of waves with random phases, we have obtained even more efficient long-term diffusion in velocity space, for the same number of waves, although the initial diffusion rate can be smaller than in the case of coherent waves.