Kinetic theory of two-plasmon decay

Abstract

The Vlasov–Maxwell theory of two-plasmon decay is developed for homogeneous and weakly inhomogeneous plasmas. Temporal growth rates in homogeneous plasmas and spatial amplification in weakly inhomogeneous plasmas are calculated and compared to fluid theory. For hot plasmas (Te≳10 keV) the kinetic analysis predicts lower growth rates and a reduced range of unstable wavenumbers compared to fluid theory.