Nonlinear propagation of lower-hybrid waves in an inhomogeneous plasma

Abstract

We investigate the problem of spatial depletion of propagating lower-hybrid waves in an inhomogeneous plasma. In particular, we consider the nonlinear evolution of a lower-hybrid pump which is coupled to a daughter lower-hybrid decay wave excited by low-frequency density perturbations. Our results show that pump depletion occurs when three-dimensional effects are included. This phenomenon competes with the filamentation of the pump caused by self- interaction. Implications to lower-hybrid heating experiments are discussed.