Mode conversion and absorption of lower hybrid waves in inhomogeneous magnetic fields

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866644· OSTI ID:7231209

Cho, S; Swanson, D G

When a cold lower hybrid wave propagates in an inhomogeneous plasma, it undergoes a total mode conversion to the warm wave which is then coupled with the ion Bernstein wave around ion cyclotron harmonic frequencies. Both types of linear mode conversion problems can be described by fourth-order differential equations if the two processes are separated from each other. The combination of the two types of mode conversion when the lower hybrid turning point is in the vicinity of a cyclotron harmonic requires a sixth-order equation with a quadratic coefficient, which is not solvable analytically nor numerically. Another type of sixth-order equation, which has only linear coefficients and represents the three-wave problem marginally, is solved analytically without including the absorption term. Finally, the damping and the absorption of the wave are compared for the unmagnetized dispersion relation, the full magnetized dispersion relation, and the mode conversion analysis as the wave propagates in a magnetically confined plasma with slab geometry.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
• OSTI ID: 7231209
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 31:7; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
BERNSTEIN MODE
COLD PLASMA
CONVERSION
CYCLOTRON HARMONICS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
HARMONICS
INHOMOGENEOUS PLASMA
ION WAVES
OSCILLATION MODES
OSCILLATIONS
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
WAVE PROPAGATION