The Loss-cone Driven Electron-cyclotron Maser

Abstract

Electron-cyclotron instabilities may be classified in two ways depending on whether the relativistic correction to the gyrofrequency is important (class S) or not (class N), and whether the instability mechanism is of a maser type (class M) or due to bunching (class B). Renewed interest in class SM has followed the Wu and Lee application of it to the interpretation of terrestrial kilometric radiation. The maser is assumed to be driven by a one-sided loss-cone distribution of electrons. This mechanism seems particularly favourable for the interpretation of certain planetary, solar and stellar radio emissions