Numerical calculation of the reflection, absorption, and transmission of microwaves by a nonuniform plasma slab

Abstract

The reflection, absorption, and transmission of microwaves by a magnetized, steady-state, two-dimensional, nonuniform plasma slab is studied. A discussion on the effect of various plasma parameters on the reflected power, absorbed power, and transmitted power is presented. The nonuniform plasma slab is modeled by a series of subslabs. Even though it is assumed that the number density is constant in each subslab, the overall number density profile across the whole slab follows a parabolic function. The partial reflection coefficient at each subslab boundary is computed along with the absorption at each subslab. The total reflected, absorbed, and transmitted powers are then deduced and their functional dependence on the number density, collision frequency, and angle of propagation is studied. >