Loss-Cone Instability and Formation of Zebra Patterns in Type IV Solar Radio Bursts

The loss-cone instability of energetic electrons at double plasma resonance is considered. Conditions required for the formation of a zebra pattern in type IV solar radio bursts are determined. It is shown that electrons with a power-law energetic spectrum can effectively excite upper-hybrid waves at double plasma resonance. Stripes of a zebra pattern become more pronounced with an increase of the loss-cone opening angle and the power-law spectral index. The growth rate at the resonance frequencies decreases with an increase of the cyclotron harmonic number. Interpretation of observations and diagnostics of plasma for the April 21, 2002, event are performed. Conclusions about the impulsive mode of injection of energetic electrons into a coronal arc are made.