Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Cylindrical Plasma

Exact numerical solutions are given for the interaction of a plane, electromagnetic wave with a cylindrical plasma. The incident wave is normal to the plasma axis and both TE and TM polarizations are considered. The electron density profile is represented by a Gaussian curve consistent with flow-field calculations for wakes and jets. Transmitted and scattered amplitudes are evaluated as functions of the polar angle and plasma parameters. The data are compared with previous theoretical and experimental work. [17],[18] Parabolic electron density profiles are also investigated and contrasted with the Gaussian results. The sharp cutoff in a parabolic profile has a significant effect on the electromagnetic interaction. Applications to microwave diagnostics are discussed including a new bistatic method.