Study of wave propagation in various kinds of plasmas using adapted simulation methods, with illustrations on possible future applications

The understanding of wave propagation in turbulent magnetized plasmas can be rather complex, particularly if they are inhomogeneous and time-dependent. Simulation can be a useful tool for wave propagation studies, provided that the “model” equations take into account the characteristics of the medium relevant for the studied problem and that the numerical scheme including boundary conditions is stable and accurate enough. The choices for the model equations and the corresponding schemes are analyzed and discussed as a function of various parameters, such as the order of the numerical scheme and the number of grid points per wavelength. A quick review of the up-to-date numerical developments is given on the sheath boundary conditions and on the perfect matching layer in anisotropic media. Possible developments of plasma diagnostics conclude this state-of-the-art of simulations of electromagnetic waves in plasmas.