A new distribution function for relativistic counterstreaming

Abstract

The particle distribution function that describes two interpenetrating plasma streams is re-investigated. It is shown how, based on the Maxwell–Boltzmann–Jüttner distribution function, which has been derived almost a century ago, a counterstreaming distribution function can be derived that uses velocity space. Such is necessary for various analytical calculations and numerical simulations that are reliant on velocity coordinates rather than momentum space. The application to the electrostatic two-stream instability illustrates the differences caused by the use of the relativistic distribution function.