Longitudinal Resistive Stability of an Intense Charge Bunch in a Linear Accelerator

A simple, but realistic, model is used to theoretically investigate the longitudinal stability of a non-relativistic bunch in the limit of small wall resistivity compared to self-reactance. It is shown that to lowest order--and in contrast with an infinitely long beam--that an intense bunch is stable against longitudinal collective modes. It is concluded that an induction linac remains a viable option as a driver for heavy ion inertial fusion