Parametric decay and the origin of the low frequency Alfv\'enic spectrum of the solar wind

TL;DR

This paper proposes that parametric instability of Alfvén waves can generate the broad low-frequency spectrum observed in the solar wind, explaining the origin of long-period fluctuations.

Contribution

It demonstrates that minute-long Alfvénic fluctuations are unstable to parametric decay, leading to an inverse energy cascade and the generation of long-period fluctuations in the solar wind.

Findings

Parametric instability excites hours-long Alfvénic fluctuations.

Inverse energy cascade occurs through density fluctuations.

Results will be tested by Parker Solar Probe data.

Abstract

The fast solar wind shows a wide spectrum of transverse magnetic and velocity field perturbations. These perturbations are strongly correlated in the sense of Alfv\'en waves propagating mostly outward, from the Sun to the interplanetary medium. They are likely to be fundamental to the acceleration and the heating of the solar wind. However, the precise origin of the broadband spectrum is to date unknown. Typical periods of chromospheric Alfv\'en waves are limited to a few minutes, and any longer period perturbations should be strongly reflected at the transition region. In this work, we show that minute long Alfv\'enic fluctuations are unstable to the parametric instability. Parametric instability enables an inverse energy cascade by exciting several hours long periods Alfv\'enic fluctuations together with strong density fluctuations (typically between 1 and $20 R_{\odot}$). These results may improve our understanding of the origin of the solar wind turbulent spectrum and will be tested by the Parker Solar Probe.