Observation of the Fluid-Ion Cyclotron Instability by Scattering of Pulsed CO2-Laser Radiation

Abstract
Scattering of pulsed CO2-laser radiation by current-driven waves in a plasma is observed. A theory of the fluid-ion cyclotron instability is developed. The measured dispersion of the wave, the electron density fluctuation associated with it, and its subsequent stabilization and damping are interpreted theoretically.