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Kinetic theory of the absorption of electromagnetic waves by an inhomogeneous magnetized plasma stream

Journal Article · · Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6245852
The propagation of electromagnetic waves in a smoothly inhomogeneous, plane-stratified stream of a magnetized plasma is studied. The thermal motion of the electrons is taken into account. The plasma density is assumed constant. An expression for the coefficient of exponential absorption of a slow (..omega..-k/sub z/v/sub m/<0) wave with a frequency ..omega.. and longitudinal wave number k/sub z/ which is incident on the stream is derived in the geometric-optics approximation (v/sub m/ is the maximum stream velocity). The damping is shown to be caused by a nonreflecting opaque region in the plasma. Because of the pronounced decrease in the wave amplitude in this region, the interaction of this wave with ''fast'' electrons, in which stream kinetic energy is converted into electromagnetic field energy, is less efficient than the interaction with ''slow'' particles, in which case the wave transfers energy to the plasma. As the electron temperature approaches zero, the spatial dimensions of the opaque region, which are proportional to the average thermal velocity, decrease. At the same time, the absolute value of the imaginary part of the wave vector increases; as a result, there is strong absorption of the wave by the stream even in the case of a cold plasma.
Research Organization:
N. I. Lobachevskii State University, Gor'kii
OSTI ID:
6245852
Journal Information:
Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 6:5; ISSN SJPPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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