Inertial Alfven waves in an inhomogeneous bi-Maxwellian plasma

The Vlasov kinetic equation is solved using gyrokinetic theory and the dielectric tensor for non-relativistic, magnetized, bi-Maxwellian plasmas is calculated. A generalized dispersion relation for kinetic Alfven waves is derived taking into account the density inhomogeneity and temperature anisotropy. The modified dispersion relation thus obtained is then used to examine the propagation characteristics of the kinetic Alfven waves in the inertial regime. The importance of density inhomogeneity and temperature anisotropy for Solar corona is highlighted. The growth rate of the inertial Alfven wave proves that density inhomogeneity acts as a source of free energy. •The generalized dispersion relation for kinetic Alfven waves, using gyrokinetic theory taking into account the temperature anisotropy and density inhomogeneity, is calculated.•We study the inertial limit of kinetic Alfven waves and observe the effects of density inhomogeneity and temperature anisotropy.•The stability analysis for inertial Alfven waves is also performed.•We conclude that density inhomogeneity makes the wave unstable and temperature anisotropy tends to stabilize the growth rate.