Drift instabilities of a relativistic plasma. Part 2. Kinetic theory of low-frequency drift instabilities of a relativistic finite-pressure plasma

Abstract

The generalization of the kinetic theory of low-frequency long-wavelength drift instabilities (instabilities due to the number density and temperature gradients and an instability of the Kelvin–Helmholtz type) is given for the case of a relativistic plasma. The role of relativistic effects, taking into account the anisotropy of the particle momentum distribution function, is clarified. Particular attention is paid to the investigation of instabilities of these perturbations in a relativistic electron-positron plasma.