Generation of whistler-mode signals in the presence of enhanced fluctuations in plasmas

Abstract

Acceleration of an electron by the electrostatic field of ion wave fluctuations is considered including the external magnetic field. It is found that an accelerated electron can emit unstable electromagnetic waves which propagate along the guide magnetic field. As an example, we discuss the generation of right-handed circularly polarized whistler waves. Application of our result to laboratory and space plasmas is examined.