QUASI-THERMAL FLUCTUATIONS IN A BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEM

The quasi-thermal electrostatic field fluctuations of a stable unmagne tized electron beam-plasma system is considered. Both the beam and the background plasma are modeled as isotropic Maxwellians. Both the norm al modes of the plasma and the contributions from other modes are cons idered. The dependence of these fluctuations on beam velocity, density , and temperature are examined. The implications of these waves for re al beam-plasma systems are also discussed. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.