Quasilinear Theory of the Positive Column Spiral Instability

Abstract

An analysis of the nonlinear behavior of the spiral instability of the positive column is presented. The finite amplitude and frequency shift of the single mode which results from raising the magnetic field slightly above the critical value are determined. The slope of the E-H curve is also obtained. The method is based on a general theory of nonlinear behavior in weakly ionized plasma. The quasilinear results are in excellent agreement with experiment.