Scattering of relativistic electron beams by magnetic field errors and beam‐induced waves

Relativistic electron beams propagating in long plasma columns must be well focused to cause efficient plasma heating. Expansion of the beam area due to scattering lowers efficiency. The beam spreading expected from errors in the ambient magnetic field is calculated. Scattering from both electrostatic and magnetic waves generated by the beam itself is then included. All these effects can be important in contemplated experimental regimes. However, it may prove possible to ″tune″ beam-plasma heating processes to avoid significant beam spreading