Two-dimensional nonlinear dynamics of beam–plasma instability

Abstract

Numerical solutions for equations of weak turbulence theory that describe the beam–plasma interaction are obtained in two dimensions (2D). The self-consistent theory governs quasilinear processes as well as nonlinear decay and scattering processes. It is found that the Langmuir turbulence scatters into a quasi-circular ring spectrum in 2D wave number space, accompanied by quasi-isotropic heating of the electrons. When projected onto the one-dimensional (1D) space, 2D Langmuir turbulence spectrum appears as an inverse cascade, when in reality, the wavelength of the turbulence does not change but only the wave propagation angle changes. These findings are similar to those obtained in a previous analysis in which scattering processes were not taken into account, but it is found that the scattering term leads to a quantifiably higher scattering rate.