THE EFFECTS OF FLUCTUATIONS ON PROPAGATION THROUGH A PLASMA MEDIUM
Abstract
Random fluctuations of the electron density of a plasma medium degrade the characteristics of a microwave signal which is passed through it. Typically the examination on a spectrum analyzer of an rf signal which has been passed through a la oratory plasma reveals a transfer of energy into sidebands of the original frequency. In dc discharges the main components observed are those due to the strong oscillations which occur in the low-frequ ncy range elow one megacycle. A theory of phase modulation of an rf signal by the low-frequency fluctuations of a plasma is described. It is shown that strong sidebands should be expected, and that under certain circumstances the original carrier amplitude may become zero. The res lts obtained agree well with experimental measurements carried out on a plasma column modulated in density by an external lowfrequency signal. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0260522
Entities
People
- G.s. Kino
- M.a. Allen
Organizations
- Stanford University