Numerical Solution of the Dispersion Relations for a Hot Magnetoplasma with Collisions

Robert J. Papa

Jan 1972 · Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force

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Detailed numerical studies have been made on the dispersion relations for electromagnetic waves propagating in partially ionized gases immersed in a dc magnetic field. Accurate values of the attenuation constant and phase shift are needed in the design of radio communications systems where waves must propagate through an ionized gas (such as in reentry communications systems), in the design of radar jamming devices used during missile reentry, and in the analytical study of ionospheric propagation phenomena. The numerical solution of the dispersion relations enable the effects of collisionless wave damping, velocity-dependent electron-neutral collisions, and Coulomb encounters to be studied. The attenuation and phase shift of waves propagating through a plasma are dependent upon the signal frequency, plasma temperature, plasma density, degree of ionization, and cross sections for electron scattering. Graphs are presented which enable attenuation constants and phase shifts to be readily evaluated for a very wide range of possible plasma conditions. (Author).