Ponderomotive Forces in the Interaction of a Charged Particle with an Inhomogeneous Electromagnetic Wave

Abstract

Based on analysis of the specific features inherent in the trajectory of a charged particle moving in an inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave, the physical processes determining the nature of ponderomotive forces are specified. In particular, the reason for switching the accelerated motion of a particle passing through an electrical field with zero amplitude in the direction perpendicular to the electrical field to deceleration with an increase in the electrical field amplitude is detailed. The effect of the inertial mass on the trajectory of a charged particle moving in an inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave is determined.