Mirror instability with finite electron temperature effects

A linear theory of mirror instability accounting for the finite electron te mperature effects is developed. Using the standard low-frequency approach t o the analysis-of this instability but including some kinetic effects, we h ave derived an expression for the growth rate and analyzed the effects of f inite electron temperature and arbitrary electron anisotropy. In comparison with earlier analyses which were limited to isotropic electron distributio ns, consideration of arbitrary electron anisotropy shows that for sufficien tly hot; electrons an increased electron temperature enhances the growth ra te of the mirror instability.