Effect of Finite Ion and Electron Temperatures on the Ion-Cyclotron Resonance Instability

Abstract

The ion‐cyclotron resonance instability theory as first developed by Harris is extended to include finite ion and electron temperature effects. With anisotropic ion and electron temperatures the dispersion relation due to Harris is subjected to numerical analysis and stability zone boundaries in the two‐dimensional parameter space representing essentially the magnetic field strength and the electron density is obtained. The effect of a uniform rotation of the ions with respect to the electrons is also included. Comparison of the results of this analysis with some experimental observations is possible.