Find the phase velocity of the wave (Plasma Physics)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the phase velocity of electromagnetic waves in a plasma environment, specifically focusing on R- and L-waves. The context includes parameters such as frequency, plasma density, and magnetic field strength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of relevant equations for phase velocity and question the validity of the results obtained. There are attempts to clarify the separation of waves and the implications of imaginary results for L-waves.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion regarding discrepancies in calculated values and seek clarification on the polarization of the wave after a certain distance. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions made in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem due to the interplay of plasma parameters and the behavior of electromagnetic waves, as well as the potential for misunderstanding in the application of formulas.

Firben
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Homework Statement


An electromagnetic wave with the frequency f = 1.4 GHz is propagating in the z-direction from vacuum in a plasma with the magnetic field B_0 = 0.1T z^. The plasma density is 1.0*10^17 particles/m^3. The wave is the separated into a R- and L-wave in the plasma.

Homework Equations


w_c = |q|*B/m cyclotron angular resonance
w_p = (n_0*e^2/(ε*m_e))^(1/2) plasma angular frequency
(ck/w)^2 = 1-(w_p^2*w^2)/(1-(w_c/w)) R-Wave (whistler)
(ck/w)^2 = 1-(w_p^2*w^2)/(1+(w_c/w)) L-wave

(v_ph)_R = (w/ck)_R = ((w(w-w_c))/(w^2-w*w_c-w_p^2))^(1/2)
(v_ph)_L = (w/ck)_R = ((w(w+w_c))/(w^2+w*w_c+w_p^2))^(1/2)

B_0 = 0.1T z^
f = 1.4 GHz = 8.8*10^9 rad/s
w_p = 1.78*10^10 rad/s
w_c = 1.76 * 10^10 rad/s

The Attempt at a Solution



Inserting these values into the formula for the phase velocity, i get the following

(v_ph)_R = c*0.443 = 1.329 * 10^8 m/s,
since the phase velocity is defined as w/k = v_ph. So i multiple it with c
correct value is v_ph = 6.6*10^6 m/s
(v_ph)_L = no wave, since it is imaginary

Then i want to know which polarization the wave has after z=1 m
 
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Homework Statement


An electromagnetic wave with the frequency f = 1.4 GHz is propagating in the z-direction from vacuum in a plasma with the magnetic field ## B_0 = 0.1T \hat z ##. The plasma density is ## 1.0*10^{17} ## ## \frac {particles} {m^3} ##. The wave is then separated into a R- and L-wave in the plasma.

2. Homework Equations
## w_c = \frac {|q|*B} m ## cyclotron angular resonance

## w_p = \sqrt \frac {n_0*e^2 } {ε*m_e} ## plasma angular frequency

## (\frac {ck} {w})^2 = 1- \frac {w_p^2/w^2} {1-(w_c/w)} ## R-Wave (whistler)
## (\frac {ck} {w})^2 = 1- \frac {w_p^2/w^2 } {1+(w_c/w)} ## L-wave

Phase Velocity:

## (v_{ph})_R = (\frac {w} {ck})_R = \sqrt \frac {w(w-w_c) } {w^2-w*w_c-w_p^2} ##
## (v_{ph})_L = (\frac {w} {ck})_L = \sqrt \frac {w(w+w_c) } {w^2+w*w_c-w_p^2 } ##

## B_0 = 0.1T \hat z ##
## f = 1.4 GHz = 8.8*10^9 ## rad/s
##w_p = 1.78*10^{10} ##rad/s
##w_c = 1.76 * 10^{10} ## rad/s

3. The Attempt at a Solution

Inserting these values into the formula for the phase velocity, then i got the following

## (v_{ph})_R = c*0.443 = 1.329 * 10^8 ##m/s,
since the phase velocity is defined as ## \frac {w} {k} = v_{ph} ##. So i multiple it with c.
The correct value is ## v_{ph} = 6.6*10^6 ##m/s
##(v_{ph})_L ## = no wave, since it is imaginary

How can i know which polarization the wave has after z=1 m ?
 
Why is my solution wrong ?
 
Im still stuck, why do i get a different answer ?
 

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