NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF LOW-FREQUENCY DRIFT WAVES

The nonlinear behaviour of unstable drift waves in magnetized plasmas is analysed analytically. Most attention is paid to low-frequency wave s created in electron density and temperature gradients of opposite si gn. This situation is typically encountered in radiofrequency-produced discharges. The model developed explains nonlinear features such as m ode competition, amplitude saturation and magnetic field hysteresis, w hich are observed experimentally.