High-frequency instabilities in an explosion-generated relativistic plasma

O P Malik,A Kumar,Hitendra K Malik,Sukhmander Singh

doi:10.1007/s40094-015-0166-8

O P Malik, A Kumar + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40094-015-0166-8

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Abstract

A realistic problem of an explosion-generated relativistic plasma is talked about with respect to the instabilities developed in such systems. For this, the dispersion equation is derived analytically and solved numerically for typical values of physical quantities. Our calculations reveal that two types of instabilities occur in the said plasma if the dust particles and relativistic effects of ions and electrons are considered. Both types of the instabilities are high-frequency instabilities, which carry growth rates of different magnitudes. In view of the magnitudes, the instability having higher/lower growth rate is called as high-frequency higher/lower growth rate instability. The relativistic effects of ions support the growth of these instabilities, whereas those of electrons suppress the growth of the instabilities. The waves propagating with larger phase velocity are found to grow at higher rates. There exists a critical value of the drift velocity of dust particles, above which another instability starts growing but with significantly lower growth rate.

Highlights

Introduction and motivationGamma rays are produced in a nuclear explosion, which interact with air molecules through a process called Compton effect, and electrons are scattered at high energies that ionize the atmosphere, generating a powerful electrical field
There exists a critical value of the drift velocity of dust particles, above which another instability starts growing but with significantly lower growth rate
This effect is known as High Altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) (HEMP) effect, which is harmless to people as it radiates outward, but can overload computer circuitry and damage it much more swiftly with effects similar to a lightning strike

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and motivationGamma rays are produced in a nuclear explosion, which interact with air molecules through a process called Compton effect, and electrons are scattered at high energies that ionize the atmosphere, generating a powerful electrical field. Our calculations reveal that two types of instabilities occur in the said plasma if the dust particles and relativistic effects of ions and electrons are considered. There exists a critical value of the drift velocity of dust particles, above which another instability starts growing but with significantly lower growth rate.

Results

Conclusion