V-Shaped dc Potential Structure Caused by Current-Driven Electrostatic Ion-Cyclotron Instability

Abstract

It is first demonstrated that a V-shaped dc potential structure is created by a current-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron instability by means of an open two-dimensional particle simulation model. A positive dc potential difference along magnetic field lines is generated by anomalous resistivity caused by the ion-cyclotron instability. In the direction across the magnetic field lines, the dc potential rises from the high-current region to the low-current region.