Harmonic generation and parametric excitation in a beam-plasma system

Harmonic generation by wave-wave and wave-particle interactions and parametric excitation of plasma and ion-acoustic waves by a beam-plasma instability are studied, theoretically and experimentally, in a cold beam-plasma system. The dispersion relations for plasma and ion-acoustic waves are calculated. Coupling constants for harmonic generation and parametric excitation are calculated and the equations for the wave amplitudes are solved numerically for some important cases. Measurements are made of fundamental and harmonic wave intensities. Two distinct harmonic generation mechanisms are identified and attributed to wave-wave and wave-particle interactions. Measurements are made of sideband excitation by a beam-plasma instability. Connection of the sideband production with ion dynamics is established. The sideband excitation mechanism is identified as a parametric instability, and good agreement with theory is found.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Kerst, Ronald Albert

Contributors dc:contributor

• Raether, M.J.

• harmonic generation
• paramatric excitation
• beam-plasma system
• wave-wave interaction
• wave-particle interaction

Statement dc:rights

• 1978 Ronald Albert Kerst

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

355932

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/25585