Transient Simulation of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Plasma Based on Dynamic Drude Model

Abstract

This article concerns about the propagation properties of gigahertz (GHz) electromagnetic (EM) waves in a plasma-filled rectangular waveguide. To describe this complex issue, a three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic Drude model is developed and solved by the spectral-element time-domain (SETD) method. The distinctions between the dynamic Drude model and the traditional static Drude model are discussed theoretically. In the SETD process, Galerkin’s method is used for space discretization, and a central difference scheme is employed for temporal discretization. Dynamic Drude model comprehensively takes into account the motion state of electrons in plasma driven by EM fields under the action of GHz EM wave and external constant magnetic field. Numerical results from dynamic and static Drude models are in good agreement under the action of low-power microwaves and low-dc magnetic fields. Under the incidence of high-power microwave (HPM) pulses, electrons gradually accumulate near the source end, affecting the propagation of EM waves. This study provides a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive exploration of the propagation properties of EM waves in plasma.