Propagation Characteristics Of Magneto-Ionic Plasma Columns

The propagation characteristics of uniform, cylindrical plasma columns of circular cross section, in constant axial magnetic fields are determined. The ratios (plasma wave-length)/(free-space wavelength) and (power flowing in the plasma)/(power flowing outside) are evaluated and discussed as functions of the diameter/wavelength ratio and of the plasma permittivity, for propagation of circularly syrnmetracl modes. Brillouin diagrams are also derived and compared with the results predicted by the quasi-static approximation. The analysis is carried out for a nonattenuating plasma, but formulas giving the attenuation caused by electron-molecule collisions are also included. (auth)