Effects of a magnetic field gradient on the lower hydrid drift instability

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Abstract
The effect of a magnetic field gradient on the lower hydrid drift instability is examined in the low drift velocity regime (i.e., of the order of the ion thermal velocity). The theoretical model includes density and temperature gradients, and considers only waves propagating perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field with wavelengths of the order of the electron Larmor radius. It is found, for the case of finite βe, that a magnetic gradient drift-wave resonance can be important and is stabilizing or destabilizing depending upon the physical conditions. Substantial plasma heating and a large anomalous resistivity can also occur.