Electron-exchange and correlation effects on filamentation instability of a high-density current-driven plasma

Abstract

The effects of exchange and correlation on the filamentation instability of a high-density current-driven plasma are theoretically investigated under diffusion conditions by applying the quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model and the Ampe`re-Maxwell law. Based on the dispersion relation, a new instability condition is presented, according to which, the important characteristic quantities are identified. Moreover, the new condition reveals a red shift of the cutoff wavelength in which the instability is suppressed. As a result, the thickness of the current filaments would be greater in the presence of quantum effects. It is also proven that exchange and correlation effects on the instability growth rate and the current filament size are more significant than the other typical quantum phenomena, such as quantum diffraction and tunneling, which are included in the QHD model through the quantum statistical pressure and the Bohm potential.