Interpreting Ulysses Data Using Inverse Scattering Theory: Oblique Alfvén Waves

Mark Anthony Reynolds, Henry R Wheeler IV, R.L. Hamilton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Solitary wave structures observed by the Ulysses spacecraft in the solar wind were analyzed using both inverse scattering theory and direct numerical integration of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation. Several of these structures were found to be consistent with soliton solutions of the DNLS equation. Such solitary structures have been commonly observed in the space plasma environment and may, in fact, be long-lived solitons. While the generation of these solitons may be due to an instability mechanism, e.g., the mirror instability, they may be observable far from the source region due to their coherent nature.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Volume120
StatePublished - Feb 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Disciplines

  • Physics

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