Nonlinear interaction of whistler waves in a magnetized plasma with density ducts

The nonlinear resonant interactions between whistler waves guided by density ducts surrounded by a uniform magnetized plasma are studied. It is shown that, under specific conditions that are determined, a time-harmonic external electromagnetic field can drive the parametric instability of guided whistlers. Both cases of cylindrical and planar ducts are considered, of either decreased or increased plasma density. The frequency interval where the magnetized plasma may be resonant is analyzed. The growth rate and the threshold of the parametric instability are determined. Numerical calculations are presented for parameters typical of "space plasmas and" modeling laboratory experiments where guided whistler propagation was observed. Published under license by AIP Publishing.