Whistler wave (source code)

= Whistler wave
{title2=$\omega_\pm=\pm v_Ad_i k_\parallel k$}

In the inertia-free, constant-density <electron magnetohydrodynamics> model with uniform guide field $B_0\hat{\mathbf z}$, a transverse magnetic <plane wave> obeys $\omega\mathbf b=i v_Ad_i k_\parallel\mathbf k\times\mathbf b$. The <helicity decomposition of a transverse Fourier mode> gives the displayed dispersive branches with opposite <circular polarizations>. This electron-current mode is called a whistler wave; see https://arxiv.org/abs/1306.4544[Lyutikov's analysis of electron magnetohydrodynamics]. Its pressure-free induction equation should not be identified with a general kinetic Alfvén model.