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Kinetic equation, spin hydrodynamics and collisional depolarization rate in a spin-polarized plasma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

R. Balescu
Affiliation:
Association Euratom-Etat Belge, Faculté des Sciences CP 231, Campus Plaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
W. Y. Zhang
Affiliation:
Association Euratom-Etat Belge, Faculté des Sciences CP 231, Campus Plaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

Abstract

On the basis of our previous work, a rigorous kinetic equation for a spin-polarized plasma is derived in the weak-coupling quasi-classical limit. The macroscopic polarization vector is defined in a unified form for spin-½ and spin-1 particles. Using the kinetic equation, an equation for the macroscopic polarization density is derived in the form of a ‘spin-hydrodynamical equation’. The depolarization rate for the spin–orbit interaction and the spin–spin interaction is estimated. Some difficulties for the spin–spin interaction are displayed and discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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References

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