Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 April 1999
We have developed a 2½-dimensional open boundary particle simulation model and have studied the current-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron instability and related d.c. potential difference. Fresh streaming electrons are injected smoothly from the boundaries at each time step, avoiding unphysical accumulation of charged particles in front of the boundaries. As a current-driven electrostatic ion cyclotron instability grows, a d.c. potential difference along the magnetic field lines is created.