Brief communication: Weibel, firehose and mirror mode relations

Abstract

Excitation of Weibel magnetic fields in an initially non-magnetized though anisotropic plasma may trigger other low-frequency instabilities fed by pressure anisotropy. It is shown that under Weibel-like stable conditions the Weibel-like thermal fluctuation magnetic field allows for restricted Firehose-mode growth. In addition, low-frequency Whistlers can also propagate in the plasma under certain anisotropic conditions. When the Weibel-like mode becomes unstable, Firehose instability ceases but Mirror modes take over. This will cause bubble structures in the Weibel-like field in addition to filamentation. © 2014 Author(s).