Nonlinear resonances generate large-scale convection cells in phase space.

Abstract

It is well known that resonance phenomena can destroy adiabatic invariance and cause chaos and mixing. In the present Rapid Communication, we show that a nonlinear wave-particle resonant interaction may do the opposite-generate large-scale coherent structures in phase space. The combined action of the drift due to nonlinear scattering on resonance and trapping (capture) into resonance creates a convection cell-like structure, where the areas of particle acceleration and deceleration are macroscopically separated. At the same time, nonlinear scattering also creates a diffusion that cause mixing on and between the energy levels.