Low-frequency instability of an ion beam in the field of a high-current REB

A study is made of the linear and nonlinear stages of the low-frequency instability of an ensemble of ions that execute radial oscillations in the electric field of the space charge of an unneutralized high-current relativistic electron beam. Nonlinear mechanisms for stabilizing the low-frequency ion instability are considered. It is shown, in particular, that, under certain conditions, the development of the low-frequency instability can lead to the ejection of ions onto the walls of the drift chamber.