LINEAR DISPERSION RELATION OF KINETIC ALFVEN WAVES IN NONTHERMAL PLASMAS

Abstract

Alfven waves are important for energy transfer mechanisms and plasma heating in space and laboratory plasmas. Finite larmor radius effect and oblique propagation induce parallel electric fields, making these waves dispersive. These waves' dispersive nature makes them key players for auroral acceleration, turbulent heating, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling and energy deposition at rector edges. In this paper, we have investigated linear dynamics of kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) in low-electron-ion plasmas by using two-potential theory and considering electrons following generalized  distribution function. Our results underscore the complex interplay between wavenumber, obliqueness, and distribution parameters in determining the frequency behavior of KAWs. The sensitivity of the fast mode to obliqueness and the significant influence of the  and  parameters highlight important factors that must be considered in understanding wave dynamics in plasma environments.