O–X mode conversion in a non-symmetric torus at electron cyclotron frequencies

Abstract

Previous work on this topic, [Weitzner, Phys. Plasmas 11, 866 (2004)], applicable in a system with toroidal symmetry, is extended to the case of a non-symmetric background equilibrium state. Maxwell's equations with the cold plasma dielectric tensor are used to represent the plasma-electromagnetic wave interaction. Away from the mode conversion region, geometrical optics adequately characterizes the wave propagation. A new, simpler derivation of the wave equations in the mode conversion region is given. Aside from one very special case in which a general plasma equilibrium behaves like a stratified medium, the previous results apply and highly effective mode conversion is found. The matching of the mode conversion solution to the geometrical optics solution, not previously examined, is discussed. A relatively weak condition on the perpendicular wave number near the resonance layer is found. Provided that the perpendicular wave number is small, it tends to zero at the mode conversion layer and the solutions match effectively.