Electromagnetic waves in a longitudinally magnetized planar waveguide loaded with semiconductor plates

Abstract

Cylindrical and rectangular waveguides filled with either gaseous or semiconductor plasmas could be used in many fields of applied physics (e.g., slow-wave structures, high gradient plasma acceleration of charged particles, microwave generation due to interaction of charged particles with plasma). The paper presents theoretical study of electromagnetic waves in longitudinally magnetized parallel-plate waveguide loaded with semiconductor slabs. Planar gyrotropic waveguide entirely filled with plasma was studied in1. Geometrical configuration with the gap between two plasma layers is more realistic. This will allow propagation of a charged-particle beam in the gap. Cold magnetohydrodynamic model of plasma is used to obtain dispersion equation. Collisions of electrons are taken into account. It is assumed that the gap between semiconductor plates is filled by dielectric. The dispersion equation is solved numerically. Spectrum of electromagnetic waves in the structure is studied at several values of the magnetic field strength. Spatial distributions of both electric and magnetic fields in the structure have been found and discussed. It is shown that surface electromagnetic waves at the plasma-dielectric interfaces are present. These waves could effectively interact with charged-particle beams propagating within the gap. The structure can also support surface and bulk electrostatic plasma oscillations. These oscillations are very important when propagation of a non-relativistic electron beam is considered.