Stability of isotropic distribution functions of relativistic electrons. I. Parallel propagating waves in a cold electron-proton background gas

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/166366· OSTI ID:6921303

Schlickeiser, R; Lesch, H

The stability of relativistic isotropic particle distribution functions (DFs) in a magnetized plasma with respect to waves propagating parallel to the ordered magnetic field B(0) is studied. Isotropic DFs are found to be stable with respect to the excitation of electrostatic waves regardless of the composition of the wave-carrying background plasma and the relativistic gas. Isotropic DFs of relativistic positrons are stable with respect to right-hand polarized Alfven and electromagnetic waves and left-hand polarized electromagnetic waves propagating in a cold electron-proton background gas. Isotropic DFs of relativistic electrons are stable with respect to left-hand polarized Alfven and electromagnetic waves and right-hand polarized electromagnetic waves propagating in a cold electron-proton background gas. Isotropic ring DFs of relativistic positrons can be unstable with respect to left-hand polarized Alfven waves propagating in a cold electron-proton background gas, under proper conditions. 21 references.

• Research Organization: High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, CO (USA); Max-Planck-Institut fuer Radioastronomie, Bonn (Germany, F.R.)
• OSTI ID: 6921303
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 329; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640100* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANTILEPTONS
ANTIMATTER
ANTIPARTICLES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COLD PLASMA
COSMIC RADIATION
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
FERMIONS
FUNCTIONS
GALAXY NUCLEI
IONIZING RADIATIONS
ISOTROPY
LEPTONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
POSITRONS
RADIATIONS
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
WAVE PROPAGATION