Re-examining the Cairns-Tsallis model for ion acoustic solitons

Recently, a hybrid distribution function [Tribeche et al., Phys. Rev. E 85, 037401 (2012)] was proposed to describe a plasma species with an enhanced superthermal component. This combines a Cairns-type “nonthermal” form with the Tsallis theory for nonextensive thermodynamics. Using this alternative model, the propagation of arbitrary amplitude ion acoustic solitary waves in a two-component plasma is investigated. From a careful study of the distribution function it is found that the model itself is valid only for a very restricted range in the q-nonextensive parameter and the nonthermality parameter, α. Solitary waves, the amplitude and nature of which depend sensitively on both q and α, can exist within a narrow range of allowable Mach numbers. Both positive and negative potential structures are found, and coexistence may occur.