Counter-Streaming Beams in Collisionless Pair Plasma Instability Systems I: Evolution and Parameterization of the Weibel Instability

Abstract: Energetic astrophysical phenomena, such as $\gamma$-ray bursts and supernova explosion-driven shocks in collisionless plasmas, involve various plasma kinetic instabilities, such as the Weibel instability. In this paper, we explore the evolution of the Weibel instability using the spectral analysis and physical field evolution of particle-in-cell simulations. Effects of varying parameters of the initial counter-streaming beams are detailed in reference to the total evolutionary timeline of the instability. Generation of a secondary instability and excitation of electromagnetic waves primary decay have been observed. We also discuss the filament mergers during the instability decay.