Magnetic shear stabilization of the diocotron modes of a relativistic electron beam

Abstract

The stability of the diocotron modes of an annular, relativistic, un‐neutralized electron beam is examined when the guide magnetic field is sheared. Stabilization results from the reduction in the electron velocity shear. The ’’low density limit’’ is found to be a surprisingly good approximation in the case of a slab, nonrelativistic model. The case of an annular relativistic beam propagating in a cylinder is analyzed in this limit. Magnetic shear stabilization is found to be a promising means of obtaining stable beam propagation.