Exact analytical model of the classical Weibel instability in a relativistic anisotropic plasma
Detailed properties of the Weibel instability in a relativistic unmagnetized plasma are investigated for a particular choice of anisotropic distribution function F(p/sub perpendicular//sup 2/,p/sub z/) that permits an exact analytical solution to the dispersion relation for arbitrary energy anisotropy. The particular equilibrium-distribution function considered in the present analysis assumes that all particles move on a surface with perpendicular momentum p/sub perpendicular/ = p-circumflex/sub perpendicular/ = const and are uniformly distributed in parallel momentum from p/sub z/ = -p-circumflex/sub z/ = const to p/sub z/ = +p-circumflex/sub z/ = const. (Here, the propagation direction is the z direction.) The resulting dispersion relation is solved analytically, and detailed stability properties are determined for a wide range of energy anisotropy.
- Research Organization:
- Plasma Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- OSTI ID:
- 6135498
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Vol. 35:6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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