Distribution function of an electron beam in a focusing magnetic field

Abstract

The distribution function of electrons moving in an axially symmetric focusing magnetic field is constructed. The macromotion and self-field of the beam are taken into account. The nonrelativistic and relativistic limits are discussed. Upon switching off the magnetic field the distribution functions obtained change into the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The motion of charged particles in a focusing magnetic field is the simplest model for investigation of a beam of particles, for example, electrons, in storage or accelerator rings. In accordance with the well-known theorem of N. Bohr, a magnetic field has no effect on the distribution function for a one-dimensional distribution of electrons with respect to the momenta. However, the situation is altered if macromotion occurs in a static system, for example, the revolution of electrons in storage or accelerator rings. Maintaining the focusing of the beam in an equilibrium orbit, the magnetic field thereby affects the electron distribution function. For an actual electron beam the distribution function is determined by the initial conditions of formation of the beam; however, as a result of scattering processes it will approach some steady-state equilibrium distribution function. We will discuss the problem of finding such a distribution function in the nonrelativistic and relativistic cases.