Weibel instability with semirelativistic Maxwellian distribution function

Journal Article · Sun Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2007 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2749254· OSTI ID:20976621

Zaheer, S; Murtaza, G ^[1]

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1. Salam Chair in Physics, G. C. University Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000 (Pakistan) and Department of Physics, G. C. University Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000 (Pakistan)

A macroscopic description of the linear Weibel instability, based on semirelativistic distribution in an unmagnetized plasma is presented. In particular, analytical expressions are derived for the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant for the Maxwellian and semirelativistic Maxwellian distribution functions under the conditions of {xi}=({omega}/k{sub parallel}{theta}{sub parallel})>>1 and <<1. The real frequency and the growth rate of the instability for the semirelativistic case now depends upon the factor {chi} generated from the relativistic term in the distribution function. The presence of {chi} which is always greater than unity favors the Weibel instability to occur even for the small anisotropy of temperature. As we increase the value of {chi} large enough that it dominates over other terms, the damping changes into growth. In the limiting case, i.e., {chi}=1, the results approach the Maxwellian situation.

• OSTI ID: 20976621
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 14; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ANISOTROPY
BOLTZMANN-VLASOV EQUATION
DAMPING
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
MAXWELL EQUATIONS
PERMITTIVITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
RELATIVISTIC RANGE