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Destabilization of the m =1 Diocotron Mode in Non-neutral Plasmas

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters

The theory for a Penning-Malmberg trap predicts m=1 diocotron stability. However, experiments with hollow profiles show robust exponential growth. We propose a new mechanism of destabilization of this mode, involving parallel compression due to end curvature. The results are in good agreement with the experiments. The resulting modified drift-Poisson equations are analogous to the geophysical shallow water equations, and conservation of line integrated density corresponds to that of potential vorticity. This analogy predicts Rossby waves in non-neutral plasmas and an m=1 instability in fluids. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

OSTI ID:
20215772
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 84; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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