Drift waves

AquaDTRS: +drift instability as alternative name

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In [[Plasma (physics)|plasma physics]], a '''drift wave''' (sometimes known as '''drift-wave instability''' or '''drift instability''') is a type of [[Magnetohydrodynamics|magnetohydrodynamic]] instability that is driven by a [[pressure gradient]] within a plasma. The drift wave typically propagates across the pressure gradient and is perpendicular to the magnetic field. It can occur in relatively simple configurations such as in a column of plasma with a non-uniform density but a straight [[magnetic field]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The drift waves are driven by the [[thermal expansion]] of the plasma and responsible for the transport of particles, energy and [[momentum]] along magnetic field lines.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>

The characteristic frequency associated with drift waves involving electron flow<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 3, expected 1)</ref> is given by

<math>\omega^* = k_\perp \left(-\frac{k_BT_e}{eB_0}\nabla n_0\right) </math>,

where <math>k_\perp</math> is the [[wavenumber]] perpendicular to the pressure gradient of the plasma, <math>k_B</math> is the [[Boltzmann constant]], <math>T_e</math> is the [[electron temperature]], <math>e</math> is the [[elementary charge]], <math>B_0</math> is the background magnetic field and <math>\nabla n_0</math> is the [[density gradient]] of the plasma.

== References ==


[[Category:Plasma physics]]

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