Linear mode analysis in multi-ion plasmas

Heavy ions frequently appear as minor components in space plasmas, e.g., in the solar wind and in the vicinity of comets. Both the different components of ions and the associated plasma waves are observed by extraterrestrial in-situ measurements. The influence of these ion components on the properties of plasma waves is investigated by means of the multi-fluid equations. The linear mode analysis is numerically performed for a three component plasma with an ambient magnetic field. Both the dispersion relations and the polarizations of the freely propagating wave modes are given and, subsequently, discussed. (orig.) / Available from FIZ Karlsruhe / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische Informationsbibliothek / SIGLE / DE / Germany