Oblique whistler waves generated in cold plasma by relativistic electron beams

Parallel and oblique propagation of whistler waves generated by relativistic electron beams are examined. From the general dispersion equation one derives the analytical formula for the linear growth rate in the relativistic case. The growth rate is computed for realistic plasma parameters, using two distinct distribution functions for the hot electron population. The results of the present paper can explain phenomena occurring in space plasmas where relativistic electrons are present.