A Method for Solving Linearized Vlasov Equation for Low-Frequency Long-Wavelength Electromagnetic Modes in Inhomogeneous Plasmas

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified algebraic method for solving the linearized Vlasov equation to analyze low-frequency electromagnetic modes in inhomogeneous plasmas, offering a more convenient alternative to traditional orbit integration.

Contribution

It presents a novel algebraic approach to solving the linearized Vlasov equation for inhomogeneous plasmas, simplifying the analysis of electromagnetic modes.

Findings

The method effectively captures the lowest-order effects of inhomogeneities.

It provides a more straightforward computational approach than existing orbit integration techniques.

The approach is suitable for theoretical plasma physics studies.

Abstract

A method for solving linearized Vlasov equation for low-frequency, long-wavelength electromagnetic modes in magnetically confined inhomogeneous plasmas is described. The relevant non-local solution that includes the lowest-significant-order effects of inhomogeneities is obtained from the solutions of three simple equations by means of elementary algebra. The method appears to be more convenient than the commonly used method of integration along the unperturbed particle orbits and should be of interest to students of theoretical plasma physics.