Nonlinear interactions of langmuir waves in a weakly inhomogeneous plasma

Kinetic equations for the scattering of the waves of the one-dimensional spectrum by plasma particles are obtained for a weakly inhomogeneous plasma. The equation for the evolution of the spectrum of the short waves [k² > (m_e/m_i) D_e^–2] trapped in the inhomogeneities of the plasma density differs significantly from the kinetic equation for the waves in a homogeneous plasma. The problem of localization on the spectrum of the Langmuir waves in regions near the minima of the plasma density is also considered. A solution of the kinetic equation for the waves, which describes this process, is obtained.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, No. 6, pp. 6–13, November–December, 1972.In conclusion, the author thanks A. S. Kingsep for suggesting the problem and for directing the work.