Electromagnetic waves scattering by periodic plasma structure

Periodic arrays of discharge tubes placed directly against each other were used to produce a plasma layer reflecting and absorbing electromagnetic waves. Reflection, transmission and absorption factors of normally incident waves were studied both theoretically and experimentally for these arrays in the frequency range from 5 to 12 GHz. Two wave-polarizations were under investigation, electric field of the wave was either parallel (E-wave) or perpendicular (H-wave) to the tube axis. Glass tubes with ID 1.3-1.4 cm were filled with Ar---Hg mixture or Xe at a pressure of several Torr. Plasma density on the tube axis varied from 1012 to 1013 cm−3. Only principal reflected and transmitted spatial modes were found to exist. Results of calculation fit the experimental data well.