Energy loss of fast nonthermal electrons in plasmas
Simple analytical expressions for equilibration times of nonrelativistic monoenergetic electrons in plasmas are evaluated in the 'weak'-beam approximation when the density of the monoenergetic electrons is much smaller than the plasma density. The equilibration time is defined as the time needed by the beam of monenergetic electrons to lose most of its energy as a result of collisions with plasma particles having a Maxwellian energy distribution. The process of energy equilibration is treated as a statistical superposition of both elastic and inelastic collisions in the plasma. The possibility of collisionless equilibration is discussed. Comparison of the equilibration times with the Spitzer relaxation times indicates that the former times are more appropriate for an estimate of the energy loss of the 'weak' electron beams in highly ionized plasmas.