Dielectric tensor of a weakly relativistic, nonequilibrium, and magnetized plasma

Abstract

The dielectric tensor of a weakly relativistic magnetized plasma is discussed for wave frequencies very close to the fundamental or higher harmonics of the electron or ion cyclotron frequency. Since in real situations the plasmas of interest are often in nonequilibrium states, the present paper generalizes Shkarofsky’s result to include three nonequilibrium features; namely, a loss-cone distribution, anisotropic temperatures, and a field-aligned drift. The discussion is motivated by current interest in the study of absorption and emission of radiation near the electron cyclotron harmonics.