Large amplitude lower-hybrid waves and associated nonlinear effects

Linear and nonlinear mechanisms for the generation of large amplitude lower-hybrid waves are presented. It is shown that finite amplitude lower-hybrid waves parametrically couple with non-resonant density and temperature perturbations. Accounting for the E x B0, the ponderomotive force, and the differential Joule heating nonlinearities, we derive a set of nonlinear equations governing fast and slow plasma motions in magnetized plasmas. The equations can be used to study the modulational instabilities, the caviton formation, and the generation of drift vortices. The results of our investigation should be useful for the understanding of the nonlinear propagation and absorption of lower-hybrid waves in laboratory and space plasmas. (orig.)