Nonlinear evolution of the modified Simon-Hoh instability via a cascade of sideband instabilities in a weak beam plasma system

Abstract

The modified Simon-Hoh instability is observed in a collisionless cylindrical plasma, produced by a weak electron beam, in which electrons are strongly magnetized and the ions are essentially unmagnetized. The nonlinear evolution of this instability occurs through a sequence of sideband instabilities, thought to be induced by trapped ions, and can lead to a chaotic state.