EM Wave in Plasma: Reflection, Attenuation & Radiated Power

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SUMMARY

A monochromatic plane electromagnetic (EM) wave cannot propagate in a plasma when the frequency \(\omega\) is less than the plasma frequency \(\omega_p\). In this scenario, the wave is completely reflected, leading to attenuation characterized by a complex wave vector \(k\). When \(\omega\) exceeds \(\omega_p\), the power radiated is equivalent to that of a plane wave in a vacuum, described by the Poynting vector \(\mathbb{S} = \frac{cE^2}{8\pi \omega}\sqrt{\omega^2 - \omega_p^2}\textbf{z}\). The discussion emphasizes that waves with frequencies below \(\omega_p\) do not propagate, highlighting the concept of evanescent waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plasma physics and plasma frequency (\(\omega_p\))
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation principles
  • Familiarity with the Poynting vector and its significance in power flux
  • Basic concepts of complex wave vectors and attenuation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of plasma frequency (\(\omega_p\)) in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about the behavior of waves in different media, focusing on evanescent waves
  • Explore the mathematical framework of complex wave vectors in waveguides
  • Investigate the applications of Poynting's theorem in plasma physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and researchers in plasma physics who are exploring the behavior of electromagnetic waves in plasma environments.

Euclid
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Can a monochromatic plane EM wave exists in a plasma when \omega is less than \omega_p (the plasma frequency)? If so, is it attenuated?
I read in a text that a wave incident on a plasma with \omega < \omega_p is completely reflected, but does this mean such a wave can't exist in a plasma?
If \omega > \omega_p, is the (time averaged) power radiated just the same as a plane wave in vacuum ?

I get \mathbb{S} = \frac{cE^2}{8\pi \omega}\sqrt{\omega^2 - \omega_p^2}\textbf{z} for omega > omega_p.
 
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Your answer to power flux question (Poynting vector) should convince you that a wave whose frequency is less than the plasma frequency cannot propagate.
 
It does not convince me because my solution is not valid in that domain. For when omega < omega_p the wave vector k becomes complex, so the wave has spatial dependence ~e^(-alpha z) for some real alpha. In a wave guide, this implied attenuation, but here it seems to imply that the wave cannot propagate.
 
Euclid said:
It does not convince me because my solution is not valid in that domain. For when omega < omega_p the wave vector k becomes complex, so the wave has spatial dependence ~e^(-alpha z) for some real alpha. In a wave guide, this implied attenuation, but here it seems to imply that the wave cannot propagate.

That's precisely because it does not propagate and is what "attenuation" or evanescence means.
 

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