Search for optimal 2D and 3D wave launching configurations for the largest acceleration of charged particles in a magnetized plasma, Resonant Moments Method

Abstract

Optimal two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) wave launching configurations are proposed for enhanced acceleration of charged particles in magnetized plasmas. A primary wave is launched obliquely with respect to the magnetic field and a secondary, low amplitude, wave is launched perpendicularly. The effect of both the launching angle of the primary wave, and the presence of the secondary wave is investigated. Theoretical predictions of the highest performances of the three-dimensional (3D) configurations are proposed using a Resonance Moments Method (RMM) based on estimates for the moments of the velocity distribution function calculated inside the resonance layers (RL). They suggest the existence of an optimal angle corresponding to non parallel launching. Direct statistical simulations show that it is possible to rise the mean electron velocity up to the order of magnitude as compared to the primary wave launching alone. It is a quite promising result because the amplitude of the secondary wave is ten times lower the one of the first wave. The parameters used are related to magnetic plasma fusion experiments in electron cyclotron resonance heating and electron acceleration in planetary ionospheres and magnetospheres.