Work

Evidence for a Link between Turbulence and the Generation of Ion Cyclotron Waves via the Helicity Barrier Effect in the Solar Wind

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The dissipation and heating of collisionless plasma in the inner heliosphere is a significant unresolved problem in space physics. The helicity barrier theory suggests a possible mechanism for these processes, but it requires validation through analysis of spacecraft data. We assess the validity of the parameter regime associated with the helicity barrier in the solar wind over a range of heliocentric distances using Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. We use the Politano–Pouquet law to estimate the energy and cross helicity cascade rates in the solar wind and compare the values to radial distance, the polarization, and prevalence of ion cyclotron waves. We find that the amplitude and prevalence of left-hand-polarized waves in the solar wind is directly correlated with the total energy and the cross-helicity cascade rate of the turbulence. Our measurements are consistent with the helicity barrier being active in all solar wind intervals that we study, and we demonstrate the uncertainty in calculating energy and the cross-helicity cascade rates in this study.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/adbfff

Authors: Utsav Panchal, Robert T. Wicks, Julia E. Stawarz

Institution: Northumbria University

Language: English

Topic: Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499