We study $(3+1)\mathrm{D}$ kinetic (Boltzmann-Vlasov) equations for relativistic plasma particles in a one dimensionally expanding geometry motivated by ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. We set up local equations in terms of Yang-Mills potentials and auxiliary fields that allow simulations of hard- (expanding-) loop dynamics on a lattice. We determine numerically the evolution of plasma instabilities in the linear (Abelian) regime and also derive their late-time behavior analytically, which is consistent with recent numerical results on the evolution of the so-called melting color-glass condensate. We also find a significant delay in the onset of growth of plasma instabilities which are triggered by small rapidity fluctuations, even when the initial state is highly anisotropic.

• Received 19 June 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.252301