Dynamical evolution of three-dimensional kinetic electron-beam instabilities

Abstract

We present a method of solution of the quasi-linear diffusion equation for the averaged distribution function. The criterion for its validity is discussed. Using the solution obtained, we study the dynamics of the relaxation of a weak kinetic electron-beam instability and show that it saturates asymptotically at zero energy level. In a self-consistent manner, the distribution function for the beam particles will be shown to deform to a flat shape.