It is first demonstrated that a V-shaped dc potential structure is created by a current-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron instability by means of an open two-dimensional particle simulation model. A positive dc potential difference along magnetic field lines is generated by anomalous resistivity caused by the ion-cyclotron instability. In the direction across the magnetic field lines, the dc potential rises from the high-current region to the low-current region.

• Received 20 February 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.78.4761