Destabilization of Negative-Energy Waves in Inhomogeneous Mirror Geometry

Abstract
It is well known that loss-cone-type distributions which occur in mirror machines give rise to stable negative-energy waves in infinite homogeneous geometry. It is shown here that the presence of spatial inhomogeneities along the magnetic field destabilizes these waves because of the presence of dissipation associated with the flow of electrostatic waves outward to the ends of the system.