Whistler and Alfvén Mode Cyclotron Masers in Space

The subject of wave-particle interactions occurring in space plasmas has developed strongly, both observationally and theoretically, since the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts of energetic charged particles trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere over forty years ago. These wave-particle interactions are recognized today as being a most important research topic in space plasma physics. This is the first book to provide a full and systematic description of the physical theory of whistler and Alfvèn cyclotron masers acting in planetary magnetospheres, and in the Sun's outer atmosphere. The book introduces current research topics by examining significant problems in the subject. It gives sufficient detail on the topic that readers can go on to apply the methods presented to new problems, helping them with their own research. This book is a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students working in space science, solar-terrestrial physics, plasma physics, and planetary sciences.

M. J. Rycroft is a Visiting Professor at the School of Engineering Cranfield University and the International Space University in Strasbourg, France.