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Reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves obliquely incident on a half-space relativistic plasma

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863169· OSTI ID:5124783

Reflection and absorption characteristics of electromagnetic waves obliquely incident upon a half-space relativistic Vlasov plasma are investigated. Numerical results comparing the properties of the s- and p-polarized waves are given. It is shown that the response of plasma can be best understood by studying the locations of the roots kappa/sub t/ and kappa/sub l/ of the transversal and longitudinal dispersion functions in the complex wavenumber plane. In general, s-polarized waves are reflected and p-polarized waves are absorbed more efficiently by the plasma. Total reflection occurs when kappa/sub t/ becomes zero for the case of s-polarization and when kappa/sub l/ becomes zero for the case of p-polarization. Total penetration of p-waves is obtained for sufficiently large frequencies at the Brewster angle theta/sub B/. These waves exhibit a sharp absorption peak at the characteristic angle theta/sub c/ at which the transversal transmission terminates. For a given temperature, p-waves are totally absorbed in the plasma at a specific frequency at which theta/sub B/=theta/sub c/. Absorption peaks are broader at higher temperatures. If both transversal and longitudinal modes propagate undamped at some value of angle of incidence theta, there exists a secondary smooth and broad absorption peak at larger values of theta for the p-waves. The magnitude of the secondary peak can also be appreciable at the ultrarelativistic temperatures.

Research Organization:
The City University of New York, College of Staten Island, St. George Campus, Staten Island, New York 10301
OSTI ID:
5124783
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 23:8; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English