Stochastic particle acceleration in an electrostatic wave

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Abstract
Stochastic acceleration of plasma ions is observed in the field of an intense electrostatic wave. Both electrostatic ion cyclotron and ion Bernstein waves are launched from antennas at the plasma boundary, and ion motions are observed by laser-induced fluorescence. The threshold for stochastic ion heating is observed for the first time. As anticipated, the ion distribution function changes rapidly above threshold (on a cyclotron-period time scale). Measurements of the wave electric field and the ion distribution function indicate that the ion Bernstein wave is responsible for the ion accelerations.