Whistler wave propagation in density ducts

Abstract

A theory of whistler wave propagation in axially symmetric density ducts is developed. Both density crests and troughs are considered. The duct width is assumed to be large compared with the parallel wave length. All considerations are based on the Maxwell equations. A number of effects that are not included in the ray theory and (or) the Schrödinger-type equations are elucidated. Among them is whistler detrapping from a density crest at ω < ½ωH. An analytical theory of the detrapping is developed and the corresponding wave attenuation rate in the duct is calculated.