Calculation of the dielectric tensor for a generalized Lorentzian (kappa) distribution function
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C5S7 (Canada)
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024-1565 (United States)
Expressions are derived for the elements of the dielectric tensor for linear waves propagating at an arbitrary angle to a uniform magnetic field in a fully hot plasma whose constituent particle species [sigma] are modeled by generalized Lorentzian distribution functions. The expressions involve readily computable single integrals whose integrands involve only elementary functions, Bessel functions, and modified plasma dispersion functions, the latter being available in the form of finite algebraic series. Analytical forms for the integrals are derived in the limits [lambda][r arrow]0 and [lambda][r arrow][infinity], where [lambda]=([ital k][sub [perpendicular]][rho][sub [ital L][sigma]])[sup 2]/2, with [ital k][sub [perpendicular]] the component of wave vector perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field, and [rho][sub [ital L][sigma]] the Larmor radius for the particle species [sigma]. Consideration is given to the important limits of wave propagation parallel and perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field, and also to the cold plasma limit. Since most space plasmas are well modeled by generalized Lorentzian particle distribution functions, the results obtained in this paper provide a powerful tool for analyzing kinetic (micro-) instabilities in space plasmas in a very general context, limited only by the assumptions of linear plasma theory.
- OSTI ID:
- 6930575
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas; (United States), Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas; (United States) Vol. 1:6; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700340* -- Plasma Waves
Oscillations
& Instabilities-- (1992-)
ATMOSPHERES
DIELECTRIC TENSOR
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
FUNCTIONS
HOT PLASMA
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
TENSORS
WAVE PROPAGATION