Validity of the Kadomtsev—Nedospasov Approximation for a Simple Geometry Plasma

Abstract

The problem of the instability of a weakly ionized plasma between two infinite parallel plates in crossed uniform electric and magnetic fields has been considered for a simple set of boundary conditions. The primary purpose has been to investigate the validity of the Kadomtsev—Nedospasov type of simplifying approximation for the perturbed particle density and potential for a relatively simple case. It has been found that the approximation in the form introduced by Simon is valid under some, though not all plasma conditions. The effect of ionization on stability has also been investigated, and may be appreciable.