Abstract
The effect of density gradients and a finite temperature on the dispersion relation for surface waves on a plasma half-space has been investigated analytically. The full set of Maxwell's equations is used to obtain the dispersion of surface waves on a warm homogeneous plasma, thus complementing earlier work on the electrostatic mode. The full surface-wave dispersion relation is then derived for a cold plasma with arbitrary but weak density profile in the WKB limit. Finally, the dispersion of electrostatic surface modes on a cold plasma with a linear density profile of arbitrary strength is obtained. It is shown that when the density variation over a wavelength is very large, a new type of damped surface wave with a frequency higher than the surface plasma frequency is possible.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
