Propagation and absorption of the extraordinary mode at frequencies around the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency in a high density plasma

Abstract

The perpendicular propagation and absorption of the (fast) extraordinary mode is analyzed for frequencies around the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency and plasma densities such that omega p/ omega c is about 1. It is shown that mode conversion into an electrostatic Bernstein wave is, in principle, possible for these densities. In most practical cases, and in particular in those where a WKB analysis applies, the wave energy is almost completely absorbed in the resonant layer around omega =2 omega c.