PROPAGATION OF WHISTLER-MODE ION-CYCLOTRON WAVE THROUGH MULTICOMPONENT PLASMA

The dispersion relation of an ion cyclotron wave propagating through a multicomponent plasma including the effect of ion thermal velocity is analysed and an analytical expression for the group travel time, and the temporal and spatial damping rate is derived. It is shown that the temporal and spatial damping rate increases with temperature and grou p travel time. The inclusion of thermal effect in group travel time ca uses a reduction in damping rate. The results are important in the stu dy of the proton whistler propagating through the ionosphere.