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Electron-cyclotron damping of helicon waves in low diverging magnetic fields

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3573864· OSTI ID:21537667
; ;  [1]
  1. Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Group, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 (Australia)
Particle-in-cell simulations are performed to investigate wave propagation and absorption behavior of low-field (B{sub 0}<5 mT) helicon waves in the presence of a diverging magnetic field. The 1D electromagnetic simulations, which include experimental external magnetic field profiles, provide strong evidence for electron-cyclotron damping of helicon waves in the spatially decaying nonuniform magnetic field. For a dipole-type magnetic field configuration, the helicon waves are absence in the downstream (lower field) region of the plasma and are observed to be completely absorbed. As the magnetic field is changed slightly however, wave damping decreases, and waves are able to propagate freely downstream, confirming previous experimental measurements of this phenomenon.
OSTI ID:
21537667
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 18; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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