Non linear response of plasma ions in linear electrostatic waves

We present experiments which test the applicability of the Hamiltonian single particle theory to wave-particle interactions. This theory describes the chaotic acceleration of plasmas ions by electrostatic waves. The Hamiltonian description gives predictions about the threshold, fast time scale, details of the distribution function and conservation of three integrals of the motion while some of the integrals have been broken by the overlap of resonances. Both electrostatic ion cyclotron and Bernstein waves are launched from antennae at the plasma boundary. Ion motions are observed by Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and optical tagging. The linear response of the ion to the wave is distinguished from the chaotic response. Several predictions of the single particle theory are observed in the experiments. In addition, evidence of self-consistent effects have been observed. (author) 14 figs., 22 refs