Role of Double Layers in the Formation of Conditions for a Polarization Phase Transition to the Superradiancestate in the Io Flux Tube

Abstract

A possibility of the electron phase transition into cyclotron superradiance mode in a vicinity of the Io flux tube foot in the Jovian magnetosphere has been considered. A high power of cyclotron superradiance allows it to be considered as the main mechanism of decameter Jupiter radiation generation in the form of S-bursts. It was found that the downward electron beams emitted by Io are able to create electric double layers in the form of shock waves. Such waves, when moving along the flux tube, accelerate electrons in the magnetosphere. As a result, the temperature of the electron plasma component decreases considerably. The emerging upward electron beams create conditions favorable for the phase transition into the cyclotron superradiance mode to take place.