Possible Fluctuations in Electron Streams Due to Ions

Abstract

The equations for low amplitude space-charge waves in an electron stream containing heavy positive ions are considered. At frequencies a little below the ion plasma frequency there should be a wave which increases in amplitude as it travels (negative attenuation). Ion motion tends to limit the rate of increase. In a beam filling a conducting cylinder and confined by a uniform magnetic field there should be an increasing wave at frequencies near the ion cyclotron frequency. Such waves might explain observed fluctuations in long electron beams.