Relativistic (covariant) kinetic theory of linear plasma waves and instabilities

Journal Article · Mon Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2006 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2218218· OSTI ID:20873194

Lazar, M ^[1]; Schlickeiser, R ^[1]

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1. Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, Lehrstuhl IV: Weltraum- und Astrophysik, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum, D-44780 Bochum (Germany)

The fundamental kinetic description is of vital importance in high-energy astrophysics and fusion plasmas where wave phenomena evolve on scales small comparing with binary collision scales. A rigorous relativistic analysis is required even for nonrelativistic plasma temperatures for which the classical theory yielded unphysical results: e.g. collisonless damping of superluminal waves (phase velocity exceeds the speed of light). The existing nonrelativistic approaches are now improved by covariantly correct dispersion theory. As an important application, the Weibel instability has been recently investigated and confirmed as the source of primordial magnetic field in the intergalactic medium.

• OSTI ID: 20873194
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 841, Issue 1; Conference: ERE 2005: 28. Spanish relativity meeting: A century of relativity physics, Oviedo, Asturias (Spain), 6-10 Sep 2006; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2218218; (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ASTROPHYSICS
COLLISIONS
DAMPING
DISPERSION RELATIONS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ION TEMPERATURE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PHASE VELOCITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA WAVES
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
RELATIVISTIC RANGE