Linear Transformation of Electromagnetic Waves in Large-Scale Axially Symmetric Trap

Abstract

The results are presented from studies of the efficiency of the quasi-optical wave beam tunneling through the opacity region in the vicinity of the plasma cutoff surface in the inhomogeneous magnetoactive plasma in the geometry corresponding to a large-scale axially symmetric open trap. In this geometry, the distinctive features are considered of the linear transformation of normal waves in two cases: the transformation of the left-handed polarized wave, which is typical of the toroidal traps, and the transformation of the right-handed polarized waves, which is possible when the plasma density gradient is not orthogonal to the magnetic field. Different effects limiting the achievable transformation efficiency are studied, and the possible approaches to the transformation efficiency optimization are considered.