The Weibel instability in the quantum plasma case is treated by means of a fluidlike (moments) approach. Quantum modifications to the macroscopic equations are then identified as effects of the first or second kind. Quantum effects of the first kind correspond to a dispersive term, similar to the Bohm potential in the quantum hydrodynamic equations for plasmas. Effects of the second kind are due to the Fermi statistics of the charge carriers and can become the dominant influence for strong degeneracy. The macroscopic dispersion relations are of higher order than those for the classical Weibel instability. This corresponds to the presence of a cutoff wave number even for the strong temperature anisotropy case.

• Received 25 January 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.77.046404