Electromagnetic wave propagation through an overdense magnetized collisional plasma layer

Journal Article · Sat Aug 15 00:00:00 EDT 2009 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3195085· OSTI ID:21361773

Thoma, C; Rose, D V; Miller, C L; Clark, R E; Hughes, T P ^[1]

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1. Voss Scientific LLC, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 (United States)

The results of investigations into the feasibility of using a magnetic window to propagate electromagnetic waves through a finite-sized overdense plasma slab are described. We theoretically calculate the transmission coefficients for right- and left-handed circularly polarized plane waves through a uniform magnetized plasma slab. Using reasonable estimates for the plasma properties expected to be found in the ionized shock layer surrounding a hypersonic aircraft traveling in the earth's upper atmosphere (radio blackout conditions), and assuming a 1 GHz carrier frequency for the radio communications channel, we find that the required magnetic field for propagation of right-handed circularly polarized, or whistler, waves is on the order of a few hundred gauss. Transmission coefficients are calculated as a function of sheath thickness and are shown to be quite sensitive to the electron collision frequency. One-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are shown to be in good agreement with the theory. These simulations also demonstrate that Ohmic heating of the electrons can be considerable. Two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations using a simplified waveguide and antenna model illustrate the same general transmission behavior as the theory and one-dimensional simulations. In addition, a net focusing effect due to the plasma is also observed in two and three dimensions. These simulations can be extended to design and analyze more realistic waveguide and antenna models.

• OSTI ID: 21361773
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 106, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3195085; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AIRCRAFT
ANTENNAS
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA SHEATH
PLASMA SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WAVE PROPAGATION
WAVEGUIDES
WHISTLERS
COLLISIONS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EQUIPMENT
FERMIONS
HEATING
LEPTONS
NOISE
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RADIO NOISE
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SIMULATION