Theory and simulations of parallel electric fields in nonlinear magnetosonic waves. Three-component plasma

The parallel electric field E sub parallel and its integral along the magnetic field F (= - ∫ E sub parallel ds) in nonlinear magnetosonic waves are studied with theory and fully kinetic, electromagnetic, particle simulations. The magnitudes of E sub parallel and F in small-amplitude pulses are analytically obtained for warm plasmas and for cold plasmas. Furthermore, it is found that the simulation values of F in large-amplitude waves (shock waves) are explained by a simple phenomenological relation. The parallel electric field becomes weak and nonstationary as the positron density increases. This is also studied with simulations. (author)