Anomalous resonance between low-energy particles and electromagnetic plasma waves

The classical picture of cyclotron resonance fails to describe the interaction between large-amplitude plasma waves and low-energy particles. The authors identify anomalous resonance, or nonlinear modification of the classical resonant condition by strong wave field, by ultrafast spacecraft measurements that are consistent with test-particle simulations. Cyclotron resonance between plasma waves and charged particles is a fundamental and ubiquitous process in the plasma universe, during which the particle's gyromotion has a constant phase in the wave field to enable a sustained energy exchange. In this classical picture, however, the particle's angular velocity is determined only by the background magnetic field. Here, we show that the classical condition of cyclotron resonance fails to describe the observations of low-energy particles in resonance with large-amplitude waves, which highlights the roles of the wave field in nonlinearly modifying the resonant picture. The revised scenario of anomalous resonance is then validated by the agreement between test-particle simulations and ultrafast spacecraft measurements, which present in-phase and/or antiphase relationships between the wave magnetic field and ion flux oscillations at energy and pitch-angle ranges incompatible with the classical resonance condition. This revision could significantly affect the wave-particle energy exchange and wave evolution processes.

Automated summary

The classical picture fails to describe the interaction between large-amplitude plasma waves and low-energy particles. The authors identify anomalous resonance and validate it with experimental measurements.