Anomalous electron-ion energy transfer in a relativistic-electron-beam-heated plasma

Studies at Cornell University show experimental evidence for an anomalous electron-ion energy transfer in a relativistic-electron-beam-heated plasma that is 10/sup 3/ times faster than can be predicted by classical processes. Electron cooling, ion heating, and a constant total plasma perpendicular energy on a time scale of approx. 1 ..mu..sec after electron-beam injection are consistent with an empirically derived electron-ion energy equipartion time in the presence of current-driven instabilities.