The two-stream instability and its classification into absolute and convective for hot plasmas

Abstract

This paper deals with the problem of classification of the two-stream instability for hot plasmas. The method is based on the criterion of Fainberg, Kurilko & Shapiro (1961). The basis of the analysis is the ‘resonance’ distribution, but a modified resonance distribution, leading to better results, is also investigated. The stability limit, classification into absolute and convective instabilities, as well as asymptotic growth rates are given for some chosen values of stream densities and temperatures, and arbitrary stream velocities. A method for finding the maximum temporal growth rates is also outlined.