THEORY OF PLASMAS, II. LINEAR OSCILLATIONS IN RELATIVISTIC PLASMAS
Abstract
The linear oscillations in a hot plasma which is representable by the relativistic Vlasov equation with the self-consistent fields are investigated. The method which is used by Bernstein in the nonrelativistic case is generalized to obtain the formal solution of the linearized problem. Particular attention is given to the case when the unperturbed distribution function is of the Maxwell-Boltzmann-Juttner type (i.e., the relativistic equilibrium distribution) in which case the integrations involving the velocity space are carried out explicitly. The dispersion equation is derived and studied to some extent, considering the spatial dispersions explicitly in some special cases of interest. The ordinary and extraordinary modes, and the magnetohydrodynamic waves are investigated when the propagation vector is along the unperturbed magnetic field. The asymptotic expansions are developed corresponding to the dispersion relations of the cases considered, and they are shown to be in agreement with the results of previous studies in their respective order of approximations. It is found that circularly polarized transverse waves propagating along the unperturbed magnetic field are evanescent nu squared exceeds the quantity 1-phi squared divided by omega squared where nu is the index of refraction (kc/omega) and phi is the gyrofrequency. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0257185
Entities
People
- K. Imre
Organizations
- University of Michigan