Collective neutrino-plasma interactions

The theoretical framework for the study of nonlinear neutrino-plasma intera ctions is presented. The quasiclassical single neutrino dynamics is examine d in detail, demonstrating the features giving rise to plasma instability s cenarios, and establishing analogies with electron and photon dynamics in a plasma. Using the relativistic kinetic equations for the neutrinos coupled with the plasma, the classic nonlinear collisionless plasma processes are examined; the neutrino streaming instability, and neutrino Landau damping. The astrophysical consequences of collective neutrino-plasma interactions i n supernovas and neutron stars will also be discussed. (C) 2000 American In stitute of Physics. [S1070-664X(00)90205-2].