AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ABSORPTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION BY A PLASMA OF SUB-CRITICAL DENSITY
Abstract
The design of an experiment is given which employs an inverted coaxial diode geometry to investigate absorption of electromagnetic radiation below and above the plasma frequency. Data obtained when a pure electron stream is introduced into the system are analyzed, but cannot be completely explained. Difficulties encountered in introducing and ionizing a real gas are discussed. The results of an investigation concerning the form of the electron distribution function in such an experimental arrangement are reported. Finally, the process of free-free absorption is discussed, and expressions are given for the absorption coefficient in the presence of ions and neutral atoms or molecules. These are shown to be essentially equivalent to the results of the usual Lorentzian theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0274014
Entities
People
- A. E. Heins
- A. Olte
- E. G. Fontheim
- E. K. Miller
- J. S. King
- M. L. Barasch
Organizations
- University of Michigan