Linear, collisionless, bi-Maxwellian neutral-sheet tearing instability

Abstract

The long-standing problem of the linear, bi-Maxwellian neutral sheet tearing instability is solved without recourse to an approximation of the orbits or the constant-ψ approximation. We are therefore able to consider regimes beyond the validity of previous theories. As the temperature anisotropy is increased, the growth rate increases and the associated wavelength with the peak growth decreases.