Propagation of radially localized helicon waves in longitudinally nonuniform plasmas

Journal Article · Thu Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 2006 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2212367· OSTI ID:20787343

Arefiev, Alexey V; Breizman, Boris N ^[1]

---

1. Institute for Fusion Studies, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712 (United States)

A gradient in the plasma density across the guiding magnetic field can support a low-frequency radially localized helicon (RLH) wave in a plasma column. If the radial density gradient changes along the magnetic field, this wave can undergo reflection and also excite conventional whistlers. This paper presents calculations of the corresponding reflection coefficient, including the effect of whistler radiation. It is shown that a sharp longitudinal density drop causes a nearly complete reflection of the RLH wave. The longitudinal wavelength of the excited whistlers is much greater than that of the RLH wave, and, as a result, only a small fraction of the RLH wave energy is transferred to the whistlers.

• OSTI ID: 20787343
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 13, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2212367; (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
HELICON WAVES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
REFLECTION
WAVELENGTHS
WHISTLERS