Linearized theory of inhomogeneous multiple 'water-bag' plasmas

The problem of the stability of inhomogeneous, electrostatic, multiple water-bag plasmas is considered. Equations are derived for general stationary water-bag equilibria, as well as for the corresponding perturbations. Particular attention is directed to systems with trapped particles in periodic equilibria, and special boundary conditions for the perturbation equations at the trapped-particle turning points are introduced. A normal-mode analysis is carried out for a configuration involving trapped particles occupying a finite region in the vicinity of the trough of an equilibrium wave (BGK mode). The results confirm the validity of the bunched-beam approximation.