Nonlinear gravitational waves in plasma

Abstract

An exact solution is obtained for the relativistic collisionless kinetic equations describing a test plasma in the field of a strong plane gravitational wave. The gravitational wave induces in the plasma a longitudinal electric current whose amplitude is maximum at temperatures Te ip mec2. The interaction of gravitational waves with a system consisting of Boltzmann ions and degenerate electrons is also considered. © 1982 Plenum Publishing Corporation.