Hamiltonian chaos for one particle with two waves: Self-consistent dynamics

Abstract

A simple model of wave-particle interaction is studied in its self-consistent form, that is, where the particles are allowed to feedback on the waves dynamics. We focus on the configurations of locked solutions (equilibria) and how the energy-momentum exchange mechanism induces chaos in the model. As we explore the system, we analyse the mathematical structure that gives rise to locked states and how the model's non-linearity enables multiple equilibrium amplitudes for waves. We also explain the predominance of regularity as we vary the control parameters and the mechanism behind the emergence of chaos under limited parameter choices.