An application of the method of geometrical optics to the scattering of plane electromagnetic waves off cylindrically confined cold plasmas

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.), v. 17, no. 1, pp. 112-120

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.522790· OSTI ID:4096063

Kriegsmann, G A

In this paper we apply the method of geometrical optics to study the scattering of plane electromagnetic waves off a cylindrically confined cold plasma. For simplicity, we assume two types of incident polarization. In both cases scalar second order elliptic partial differential equations describe the fields. These problems are studied in the asymptotic limit a$omega$/ c$Yields$infinity (where a is the radius of the cylinder, $omega$ is the frequency of the incident plane wave, and c is the velocity of light in free space). We furthermore assume a quadratic plasma density. This allows us to calculate explicitly the rays, amplitudes, caustics, and other features which arise in the geometrical optics approach. The assumed density also gives rise to the interesting cutoff and resonance phenomenon. Thus the amplification of the electromagnetic fields is observed. This phenomenon may have applications in laser fusion. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York 10012
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-020043
• OSTI ID: 4096063
• Journal Information: J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.), v. 17, no. 1, pp. 112-120, Journal Name: J. Math. Phys. (N.Y.), v. 17, no. 1, pp. 112-120; ISSN JMAPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*COLD PLASMA-- ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
700108* --Fusion Energy--Plasma Research--Plasma Wave Phenomena
CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION
N70900* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research--Wave Phenomena
OPTICAL REFLECTION
SCATTERING
WAVE PROPAGATION