On the role of the purely transverse Weibel instability in fast ignitor scenarios

The growth rate for the purely transverse Weibel instability is determined from relativistic kinetic theory using a waterbag distribution function in the momenta perpendicular to the main propagation direction of the beam. A parametric study is presented for conditions relevant to the fast ignitor. It is shown that for expected parameters the purely transverse Weibel instability will be significantly suppressed or even eliminated due to the transverse energy spread or emittance. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.