Mode Coupling and Breathing Oscillation in Partially Magnetized Cross-Field Plasmas

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nonlinear mode coupling in partially magnetized cross-field plasmas, revealing how azimuthal electric field oscillations can trigger low-frequency breathing oscillations through three-wave interactions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of nonlinear coupling between rotating spokes and breathing oscillations, proposing a new mechanism involving azimuthal electric field oscillations as an energy source.

Findings

Nonlinear coupling between spokes and breathing oscillations identified.

Azimuthal electric field oscillations can trigger breathing oscillations.

Intermittent three-wave coupling acts as a mechanism for oscillation onset.

Abstract

We report on investigations of mode coupling between rotating spokes during the onset of the breathing oscillation. Demonstrating the existence of nonlinear coupling between the sporadic spokes and the breathing oscillation, we suggest the oscillating azimuthal electric field as the energy source for additional ionization within the plasma. Our results indicate that intermittent three-wave coupling is a possible mechanism for triggering low-frequency breathing oscillations in partially magnetized cross-field plasma.