Nonlinear Force on an Unpolarized Relativistic Test Particle to Second Order in the Total Field in a Nonequilibrium Beam-Plasma System.
Abstract
In the theory of electromagnetic radiation processes in nonequilibrium relativistic beam-plasma systems, an important role is played by the time-average nonlinear force acting on a relativistic test particle due to the total electromagnetic field. A major nonlinearity in the field arises from the dependence of the Lorentz force on the particle trajectory, which, in turn, depends on the field. Thereby the force has effectively a nonlinear dependence on the total electromagnetic field. In this document, the time-average of this nonlinear force is derived to second order in the total field for the case of unpolarized and slightly perturbed relativistic particle trajectories. The latter condition is that of applicability of the classical Born approximation for a plasma, namely, that the relativistic particle momentum be much greater than the electromagnetic impulse received by the particle in a time interval given by the inverse plasma frequency. Possible important screening effects arising from test particle polarization are ignored here but will be fully addressed in another report. The result of the present calculation agrees with that of Akopyan and Tsytovich. It is important in calculations of collective radiation and conditions for the occurrence of radiative instability in beam-plasma systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA131631
Entities
People
- Howard E. Brandt
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories