Presentacion Física de Plasmas Unidad 4 Versión 3

Dr.
Iván Vargas Blanco

Científico Coordinador
Course content
Unit 4. Waves in plasma (8 hours): Importance of the waves

in plasma, Wave representation, Speed of group and phase
speed, The relation of dispersion, Oscillations of the plasma,
Electrostatic waves, Electromagnetic waves, Frequencies of
Court and resonance in plasma , Hydromagnetic waves,
Magnetosonic waves, Experimental applications of the waves
in plasma, Summary of experimental plasma waves ,
Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis (CMA) diagram, Landau´s cushioning.
Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Representation of waves
𝑣 = 𝜆𝑓 wave number
Plane waves definition
In the physics of wave propagation, a plane wave is a constant-frequency wave
whose wavefronts (surfaces of constant phase) are infinite parallel planes of
constant peak-to-peak amplitude normal to the phase velocity vector.
Animation of a 3D plane wave. Each color represents a different phase of the wave.

Longitudinal and transverse waves

Oscillations vrs waves

Low and High frequency waves

Summing waves of different frequencies

Fourier analysis: Periodic motion of a fluid
Any periodic motion of a fluid can be decomposed by Fourier analysis into a

superposition of sinusoidal oscillations with different frequencies 𝜔 and
wavelengths 𝜆

Simple wave in plasmas
▪ A simple wave is any one of these components.
▪ When the oscillation amplitude is small, the

waveform is generally sinusoidal.
▪ And there is only one component.
This is the situation we shall consider!

Waves in plasma: Multiple-fluid plasma model

Types of waves in a plasma and models
Electrostatic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model
Electromagnetic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model
Hydromagnetic waves → are based on a single-fluid

treatment
Waves in hot plasmas → require working directly with the

distribution function

Electromagnetic wave
𝑬𝟏 → oscillating electric field
𝑩𝟏 → oscillating magnetic field

General properties of small-amplitude waves
𝑛 = 𝑛0 + 𝑛1
𝑝 = 𝑝0 + 𝑝1
𝒖 = 𝒖𝟎 + 𝒖𝟏
𝑬 = 𝑬𝟎 + 𝑬𝟏
𝑩 = 𝑩𝟎 + 𝑩𝟏
Subscripts “0” : background values of the quantities

𝒋 = 𝒋𝟎 + 𝒋𝟏
Subscripts “1” : perturbation values of the quantities

𝜌 = 𝜌0 + 𝜌1
Types of waves
Parallel and perpendicular waves → the

direction of 𝒌 relative to the undisturbed magnetic
field 𝑩𝟎

Types of waves
Longitudinal and transverse waves →refer to

the direction of 𝒌 relative to the oscillating electric
field 𝑬𝟏

Types of waves
Electrostatic and electromagnetic waves
Electrostatic waves→If the oscillating magnetic

field 𝐵1 = 0
Electromagnetic waves→If the oscillating

magnetic field 𝐵1 ≠ 0

To define some terms
B
Observer
y
k k||
e v||

𝛁 × 𝑬1 = −𝑩ሶ 1 𝒌 × 𝑬1 = 𝜔𝑩1
If a wave in longitudinal, 𝒌 × 𝑬1 vanishes, and the wave is also

electrostatic.
If the wave is transverse, 𝑩1 is finite, and the wave is electromagnetic.

Importance of plasma waves

Importance of plasma waves

Plasma oscillations and EM waves
𝜀0 𝑚𝑒 (2𝜋𝑣)2
𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡 =
𝑒2

General properties of small-amplitude waves
𝑛 = 𝑛ത exp[𝑖 𝒌 ⋅ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡 ]
𝒌 ⋅ 𝒓 = 𝑘𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑘𝑦 𝑦 + 𝑘𝑧 𝑧
𝑛 = 𝑛ത 𝑒 𝑖(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
𝜑 = 𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡
𝑒 𝑖𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑛𝜃
𝑛 = 𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑
ത + 𝑖 𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑛𝜑
ത
𝑅𝑒 𝑛 = 𝑛ത cos(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
Group Velocity

Phase velocity
𝑅𝑒 𝑛 = 𝑛ത 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
We define the phase 𝜑 of a monochromatic wave by

𝜑 = 𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡
A point of constant phase on the wave moves so that
𝑑 Τ𝑑𝑡 𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡 = 0
𝜔
𝒗𝝋 = 2 𝒌
𝑘
This is called the phase velocity

Oscillating quantity in the wave
ഥ cos(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡 + 𝛿)
𝑬=𝑬 or ഥ 𝑒 𝑖 (𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡+ 𝛿)
𝑬= 𝑬
ഥ is a real, constant vector
where 𝑬
ഥ 𝑒 𝑖𝛿 𝑒 𝑖
𝑬= 𝑬 𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡 ഥ 𝒄 𝑒 𝑖 (𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
≡ 𝑬
ഥ 𝒄 is a complex amplitude
where 𝑬
since 𝑅𝑒 𝑬ഥ𝒄 = 𝑬
ഥ cos 𝛿 ഥ𝒄 = 𝑬
and 𝐼𝑚 𝑬 ഥ sin 𝛿
, so that
Any oscillating quantity 𝒈𝟏 will be written
𝒈𝟏 = 𝒈𝟏 exp[𝑖 𝒌 ⋅ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡 ]
Group Velocity
𝐸1 = 𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠[ 𝑘 + 𝛥𝑘 𝑥 − 𝜔 + 𝛥𝜔 𝑡]
𝐸2 = 𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠[ 𝑘 − 𝛥𝑘 𝑥 − 𝜔 − 𝛥𝜔 𝑡]
𝐸1 and 𝐸2 differ in frequency by 2∆𝜔

𝑎 = 𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡
𝑏 = 𝛥𝑘 𝑥 − 𝛥𝜔 𝑡
We have
𝐸1 + 𝐸2 = 𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑎 − 𝑏)
= 𝐸0 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑏 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑏 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑏 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑏)
= 2𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑏
𝐸1 + 𝐸2 = 2𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛥𝑘 𝑥 − 𝛥𝜔 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
Group Velocity
Spatial variation of the electric field of two waves with a

frequency difference.
𝐸1 + 𝐸2 = 2𝐸0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛥𝑘 𝑥 − 𝛥𝜔 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡)
This is a sinusoidally modulated wave
cos ∆𝑘 𝑥 − ∆𝜔 𝑡 , is what carries information
𝜐𝑔 = 𝑑𝜔 Τ𝑑𝑘
It is this quantity that cannot exceed c.
B
Observer
y
k k||
e v||

Group Velocity

Group Velocity

To study plane waves in plasma
𝜕𝒖𝒋
𝑚𝑗 𝑛𝑗 + (𝒖𝒋 ∙ 𝜵)𝒖𝒋 = 𝑞𝑗 𝑛𝑗 𝑬 + 𝒖 × 𝑩 − 𝜵𝑝𝑖
𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑛𝑗
+ 𝜵 ∙ 𝑛𝑗 𝒖𝒋 = 0 𝑗 = 𝑖, 𝑒
𝜕𝑡
𝑝𝑖 = 𝐶𝑗 𝑛𝑗 𝛾 𝑗 = 𝑖, 𝑒
𝜌 = 𝑛𝑖 𝑞𝑖 + 𝑛𝑒 𝑞𝑒
𝜌
𝜖0𝜵 ∙ 𝑬 =
𝜀0
𝒋 = 𝑛𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝒖𝒊 + 𝑛𝑒 𝑞𝑒 𝒖𝒆
𝜵 × 𝑬 = −𝑩ሶ
𝜵∙𝑩 =0
𝜵 × 𝑩 = 𝜇0 𝒋 + 𝜇0 𝜖0𝑬ሶ

Electron Waves
(electrostatic)

Basic plasma properties: Plasma frequency

Plasma Oscillations
Mechanism of plasma oscillations

Plasma Oscillations
We shall derive an expression for the plasma frequency

in the simplest case, making the following assumptions:
1)There is no magnetic field.

2)There are no thermal motions 𝐾𝑇 = 0 .
3)The ions are fixed in space in a uniform distribution.
4)The plasma is infinite in extent.
5)The electron motions occur only in the x direction,

Plasma Oscillations
As a consequence of the last assumptions, we have
𝑩=𝟎
𝑬 = 𝐸𝒙ෝ
𝜵×𝑬 = 𝟎
𝑬 = −𝜵𝜙
Plasma Oscillations
The electron equation of motion is:
0 0
The electron equation of continuity is:
𝜀0 𝜵 ∙ 𝑬 = 𝑒(𝑛𝑖 − 𝑛𝑒 )
Plasma Oscillations
The equations can easily be solved by the procedure
of linearization:
𝑛 = 𝑛0 + 𝑛1 𝒖 = 𝒖 𝟎 + 𝒖𝟏 𝑬 = 𝑬𝟎 + 𝑬𝟏
The oscillating quantities are assumed to behave

sinusoidally:
𝑒 𝑖𝜑 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑛𝜑 𝒖𝟏 = 𝑢1 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙
ෝ
𝑛1 = 𝑛1 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝑬𝟏 = 𝐸1 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙
ෝ
Plasma Oscillations
Procedure of linearization: The amplitude of
oscillation is small, and terms containing higher
powers of amplitude factors can be neglected.
𝑛𝑒 = 𝑛𝑒0 + 𝑛𝑒1 𝒖𝒆 = 𝒖𝒆𝟎 + 𝒖𝒆𝟏 𝑬 = 𝑬𝟎 + 𝑬𝟏
Since we have assumed a uniform neutral plasma at

rest before the electrons are displaced, we have:
𝜵𝑛𝑒0 = 0 𝒖𝒆𝟎 = 0 𝑬𝟎 = 0

Plasma Oscillations
The momentum equations is:
0
0
0 0

Plasma Oscillations
The continuity equation now becomes:
0 0

Plasma Oscillations
In Poisson´s equation
𝜀0 𝜵 ∙ 𝑬 = 𝑒(𝑛𝑖 − 𝑛𝑒 )
We note that 𝑛𝑖0 = 𝑛𝑒0 in equilibrium and that 𝑛𝑖1 = 0

by the assumption of fixed ions, so we have
0 0
𝜀0 𝜵 ∙ (𝑬𝟎 +𝑬𝟏 ) = 𝑒( 𝑛𝑖0 + 𝑛𝑖1 −𝑛𝑒0 − 𝑛𝑒1 )
𝜀0 𝜵 ∙ 𝑬𝟏 = −𝑒𝑛𝑒1

Plasma Oscillations
𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡 𝜕𝒖𝒆𝟏
𝒖𝒆𝟏 = 𝑢𝑒1 𝑒 𝒙→
ෝ = 𝑢𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙
ෝ
𝜕𝑡
𝜕
The time derivative can therefore be replaced by
𝜕𝑡
− 𝑖𝜔
Plasma Oscillations
𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡 𝜕𝒖𝟏
𝒖𝟏 = 𝑢1 𝑒 𝒙 → 𝜵𝑢1 =
ෝ 𝒙 = 𝑢1 𝑖𝑘 𝑒 𝑖
ෝ 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙
ෝ
𝜕𝑥
The time derivative 𝜵 can therefore be replaced by

𝑖𝑘ෝ
𝒙
Plasma Oscillations
𝜀𝑜 𝜵 ∙ 𝑬𝟏 = −𝑒𝑛𝑒1
𝑚𝑒 𝑢1 −𝑖𝜔 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙 = −𝑒𝐸1 𝑒 𝑖
𝒙
ෝ
𝑛𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡

+ 𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
=0
𝜀𝑜 𝐸1 𝑖𝑘 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
= −𝑒𝑛𝑒1 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
Plasma Oscillations
𝑚𝑒 𝑢1 −𝑖𝜔 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
𝒙 = −𝑒𝐸1 𝑒 𝑖
𝒙
ෝ
𝑛𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡

+ 𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
=0
𝜀𝑜 𝐸1 𝑖𝑘 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
= −𝑒𝑛𝑒1 𝑒 𝑖 𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡
Equations now become
𝑚𝑒 𝑢1 −𝑖𝜔 = −𝑒𝐸1
𝑛𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 + 𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘 = 0
𝜀𝑜 𝐸1 𝑖𝑘 = −𝑒𝑛𝑒1
Plasma Oscillations
𝑚𝑒 𝑢𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 = −𝑒𝐸1 (1)
−𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘
𝑛𝑒1 −𝑖𝜔 + 𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘 = 0 → 𝑛𝑒1 =
−𝑖𝜔
−𝑒𝑛𝑒1 −𝑒 −𝑛𝑒0 𝑢𝑒1 𝑖𝑘

𝜀𝑜 𝐸1 𝑖𝑘 = −𝑒𝑛𝑒1 → 𝐸1 =− =
𝜀𝑜 𝑖𝑘 𝜀𝑜 𝑖𝑘 −𝑖𝜔
Eliminating 𝑛𝑒1 and 𝐸1 , we have for Eq. (1)

Plasma Oscillations
𝜔𝑝 Τ2𝜋 = 𝑓𝑝 ≈ 9 𝑛
𝑛 = 1018 𝑚−3, we have
1 Τ2
𝑓𝑝 ≈ 9 1018 = 9 × 109 𝑠𝑒𝑐 −1 = 9 𝐺𝐻𝑧
electron frequency:
𝑓𝑐𝑒 ≃ 28 𝐺𝐻𝑧 Τ𝑇𝑒𝑠𝑙𝑎
Thus if 𝐵 ≈ 0.32 𝑇 and 𝑛 ≈ 1018 𝑚−3

Plasma Oscillations
The group velocity 𝑑𝜔 Τ𝑑𝑘 = 0
Synthesis of a wave from an assembly of independent

oscillators.

Plasma Oscillations
Plasma oscillations propagate in a finite medium

because of fringing fields.

Dialectric or Conducting Media
Se denomina dieléctrico a un material con una

baja conductividad eléctrica (σ << 1); es decir,
un aislante, el cual tiene la propiedad de formar
dipolos eléctricos en su interior bajo la acción
de un campo eléctrico.
𝑉0 𝐸0 𝜀
𝐾= = =
𝑉 𝐸 𝜀0
𝐸0 𝜀0
𝐸= = 𝐸0
𝐾 𝜀

The Dielectric Constant of a Plasma
𝑚 𝜕𝑬
𝒗𝒑 =
𝑞𝐵 2 𝜕𝑡
1
𝑐=
𝜀𝑜 𝜇𝑜
This is the low-frequency plasma dielectric constant for transverse motions
𝐸0 𝜀0 𝒋𝑝 is valid only for 𝜔2 ≪ 𝜔𝑐 2 B

𝐸= = 𝐸0
𝐾 𝜀
B
For 𝑬 perpendicular to 𝑩

The Dielectric Constant of a Plasma
𝜌 → 0, 𝜀𝑅 Approaches its vacuum value
𝐴𝑠 𝐵 → ∞, 𝜀𝑅 Also approaches unity
For instance if 𝑛 = 1016 𝑚 −3
𝐵 = 0.1 𝑇 We have (for hydrogen)

Maxwell´s Equations and the Wave Equation
Plasma waves described by set of Maxwell´s equations
And a proper equation of motion for the plasma species that

establishes the relation between the alternating electric
current 𝒋(𝑬)
𝒋 = 𝜎𝑬 𝒋 = 𝑛𝑒(𝒖𝑖 − 𝒖𝑒 )
Ohm´s law
Maxwell´s Equations and the Wave Equation
Plasma waves described by set of Maxwell´s equations
At a chosen angular frequency, the relation between the

alternating current 𝒋 𝜔 and the electric field strength at that
frequency 𝑬 𝜔 is linear or can be linearized by suitable
approximations
𝒋 𝜔 = 𝜎 𝜔 ∙ 𝑬(𝜔)
Here, 𝜎 𝜔 is the frequency-dependent conductivity.

Maxwell´s Equations and the wave Equation
Taking the curl in the induction law, we obtain the

wave equation

Wave Equation for the electric field
With 𝜇0𝜀0 = 1Τ𝑐 2, the wave equation for the electric field takes
the form
1
𝑐=
𝜀𝑜 𝜇𝑜

Fourier Representation
The wave equation has solutions that are plane monochromatic

waves of the form ෡=𝑬 ෡ 𝜔, 𝒌
𝑬
෡ 𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑖 𝒌 ∙ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡
𝑬=𝑬
𝑩=𝑩
𝒋 = 𝒋Ƹ 𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑖 𝒌 ∙ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡
Differential operations in the wave
equation
෡
𝜵 × 𝑬 → 𝑖𝒌 × 𝑬
෡
𝜵 ∙ 𝑬 → 𝑖𝒌 ∙ 𝑬

Maxwell´s Equations and Fourier Representation
𝑬=𝑬
𝑩=𝑩
෡ = 𝑖𝜔𝑩
𝑖𝒌 × 𝑬 ෡
Here, the term 𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑖 𝒌 ∙ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡 describing the phase evolution

in space and time could be dropped.
Maxwell´s Equations and Fourier Representation
𝑬=𝑬
𝑩=𝑩
෡ = −𝑖𝜔𝜀0 𝜇0 𝑬
𝑖𝒌 × 𝑩 ෡ + 𝜇 0 𝒋Ƹ
Here, the term 𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑖 𝒌 ∙ 𝒓 − 𝜔𝑡 describing the phase evolution
in space and time could be dropped.
Principal wave modes: Transverse waves
𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝒌 ⊥ 𝑬
𝒌∙𝑬 =0
෡ = 𝑖𝜔𝑩
𝑖𝒌 × 𝑬 ෡

Principal wave modes: Longitudinal waves
𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝒌 || 𝑬
𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝒌 × 𝑬 = 0
෡ = 𝑖𝜔𝑩
𝑖𝒌 × 𝑬 ෡

Classical Treatment of Magnetic Materials
1
𝜌𝑏 = −𝜵 ∙ 𝑷
P = 𝑉 σ 𝑖 𝒑𝒊
𝜀0 𝜵 ∙ 𝑬 = (𝜌𝑓 + 𝜌𝑏 )
We wish to write this in the simple form
𝜵 ∙ 𝑫 = 𝜌𝑓
𝑫 = 𝜀0 𝑬 + 𝑷 ≡ 𝜀0 𝜀𝑬
If 𝑷 is linearly proportional to 𝑬
𝑷 = 𝜀0 𝜒𝑒 𝑬
𝜀 = 1 + 𝜒𝑒
In an unmagnetized 𝑫 = 𝜀0𝑬 + 𝑷 ≡ 𝜀0𝜀𝑬
plasma ෡ ෡ 𝜔 𝑷 = 𝜀 0 𝜒𝑒 𝑬
𝑫 𝜔 = 𝜀0 𝜀 𝜔 𝑬
The dialectric function 𝜀 𝜔

Electric conductivity 𝜎 𝜔

A magnetized plasma
෡ 𝜔 = 𝜀0 𝜀 𝜔 𝑬
𝑫 ෡ 𝜔
The dialectric function 𝜀 𝜔

Electric conductivity 𝜎 𝜔
Here, I is the unit tensor.

Plasma Conductivity: 𝐷𝐶 Conductivity
Conductivity can be expressed in tensor form as:
𝑱=𝜎
ി⋅ 𝑬

Fourier Representation
The wave equation has solutions that are plane monochromatic

waves of the form
෡=𝑬
𝑬 ෡ 𝜔, 𝒌
𝑬=𝑬 𝒋 𝜔 = 𝜎 𝜔 ∙ 𝑬(𝜔)
𝒋Ƹ = 𝒋Ƹ 𝜔, 𝒌
The General Dispersion Relation
෡ = 𝒌𝒌 − 𝑘 2 𝑰 𝑬
𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝒌 × 𝒌 × 𝑬 ෡

The General Dispersion Relation
This equation represent a homogeneous linear system of

equations for the electric field vector. This can be explicitely
written for the dielectric model as

The general Dispersion Relation
Non-vanishing solutions for 𝑬 ≠ 0 are only possible when the determinant of the matrix
is zero. This determinant condition defines an implicit relation between frequency and
wave number, which we will name dispersion relation

Dispersion relation
• 𝜔 = 𝜔 𝑘 → Dispersion relation
• Examples:
• Plasma Oscillations
• Electron plasma waves
2 3 2
• 𝜔 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑡ℎ
2
Dispersion relation
𝜔 = 𝜔 𝑘 → Dispersion relation
(a) Dispersive medium (b) non-dispersive medium

Electron waves
(electrostatic)

Dispersion relation for electron plasma waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0:

2
𝜐𝑡ℎ ≡ 2𝑘𝐵 𝑇𝑒 Τ𝑚
Figure source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion-Springer (2015).
Dispersion relation for electron plasma waves (Bohm-

Gross waves)
The dispersion relation

Figure source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to

Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion-Springer
(2015).

Plasma Oscillations
𝜔𝑝 Τ2𝜋 = 𝑓𝑝 ≈ 9 𝑛
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0:

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2015).
Plasma Oscillations

Plasma Oscillations
𝑛0 = 2 × 1010 𝑐𝑚 −3
𝑓 = 950 𝑀𝐻𝑧
𝜆 = 3.5 𝑐𝑚
𝑛0 = 4 × 108 𝑐𝑚 −3
𝑓 = 170 𝑀𝐻𝑧
𝜆 = 1.3 𝑐𝑚
𝑛0 = 1 × 107 𝑐𝑚 −3
𝑓 = 20 𝑀𝐻𝑧
𝜆 = 5.1 𝑐𝑚

Plasma Oscillations
𝑣𝑡ℎ = 0
Comparison of the measured and calculated

dispersion curves for electron plasma waves in a
cylinder of radius.
Upper Hybrid Oscillations
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2

𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2
Figures source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to

(2015).
Geometry of a longitudinal Motion of electrons in an upper

plane wave propagating at hybrid oscillation.
right angles to 𝐵0
𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2
Figure source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to Plasma Physics and

Controlled Fusion-Springer (2015).
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2

𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2

(2015).
The Trivelpiece– Gould dispersion curves for electrostatic
electron waves in a conducting cylinder filled with a uniform
Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology plasma and a coaxial magnetic field.
Figures source:
Francis F. Chen-
Introduction to
Plasma Physics and
Controlled Fusion-
Springer (2015).
Experimental verification of the Trivelpiece –Gould curves, showing the existence of backward waves; that is, waves whose group
velocity, as indicated by the slope of the dispersion curve, is opposite in direction to the phase velocity. [From Trivelpiece and Gould, loc.
cit.]

Ion waves
(electrostatic)

Sound Waves

Sound Waves
The velocity 𝑐𝑠 of sound waves in a neutral gas

Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2

Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2

(2015).
Dispersion relation for ion acoustic waves in the limit of small

Debye length
Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2

(2015).
Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
Oscillograms of signals from driver and receiver Figures source: Francis F.

grids, separated by a distance d, showing the Chen-Introduction to Plasma
Physics and Controlled
delay indicative of a traveling wave. Fusion-Springer (2015).
[From Wong, Motley, and D´Angelo, loc. cit.]
Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
Figure source: Francis F.

Chen-Introduction to
Plasma Physics and
Controlled Fusion-Springer
(2015).
Experimental measurements of delay vs. probe separation at various

frequency of the wave exciter. The slope of the lines gives the phase
velocity. [From Wong, Motley, and D´Angelo, loc. cit.
Ion acoustic Waves
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2

(2015).
Measured phase velocity of ion waves in potassium and cesium

plasmas as a function of frequency. The different sets of points
correspond to different plasmas densities
Validity of the plasma approximation
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
𝑘 2 𝜆2𝐷 = 2𝜋𝜆𝐷Τ𝜆 2

1ൗ
𝜖0𝐾𝑇𝑒 2
𝜆𝐷 ≡
𝑛𝑒 2
𝑘 2 𝜆2𝐷 = 2𝜋𝜆𝐷 Τ𝜆 2
by taking


Comparison electron and ion waves
𝑛0 𝑒 2
≡ Ω2𝑝
𝜖0 𝑀
Figures source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion-Springer (2015).
Comparison of the dispersion curves for electron plasma

waves and ion acoustic waves Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology
Electrostatic ion cyclotron waves
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝛺𝑐2 + 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
|𝑞|𝐵
𝛺𝑐2 =
𝑀
𝑛0 and 𝑩0 constant and uniform 𝒗0 = 𝐸0 = 0

𝒌 × 𝑬 = 0, so that 𝑬 = −𝛻∅
𝑇𝑖 = 0
Geometry of an electrostatic ion cyclotron wave propagating

nearly at right angles to 𝐵0 Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝛺𝑐2 + 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
|𝑞|𝐵
𝛺𝑐2 =
𝑀

(2015).

𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝝎𝟐 = 𝜴𝟐𝒄 + 𝒌𝟐 𝝊𝟐𝒔
|𝑞|𝐵
𝛺𝑐2 =
𝑀

(2015).
𝜋 Τ2 − 𝜃 is taken to be so small that we may take 𝑬 = 𝐸1ෝ

𝒙 and 𝛻 = 𝑖𝑘 ෝ
𝒙

Electrostatic Ion cyclotron waves
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝛺𝑐2 + 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2
|𝑞|𝐵
𝛺𝑐2 =
𝑀
Figure source: Francis F. Chen-

Introduction to Plasma Physics
and Controlled Fusion-Springer
(2015).
Measurements of frequency of electrostatic ion cyclotron

waves vs. magnetic field Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology
The plasma approximation
𝜌𝑒
𝜵∙𝑬=
𝜀0
𝜵∙𝑬≠ 0
𝜌𝑒 = 𝑍𝑛𝑖 − 𝑛𝑒 𝑒 𝜌𝑒 = 0 and 𝑛 = 𝑍𝑛𝑖 = 𝑛𝑒
This is called the plasma approximation
Only for low-frequency motions
Do not use Poisson’s equation to obtain 𝑬 unless it is unavoidable!

Lower Hybrid Oscillations
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑙2 = Ω𝑐 𝜔𝑐
𝑛 = 𝑍𝑛𝑖 = 𝑛𝑒 |𝑞|𝐵
ω𝑐 =
𝑚
|𝑞|𝐵
Ω𝑐 =
𝑀

Lower Hybrid Oscillations
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑙2 = Ω𝑐 𝜔𝑐
This is called the lower hybrid frequency.
In low-density plasmas the latter term actually dominates

𝜌𝑒
𝜵∙𝑬=
𝜀0
𝜵∙𝑬 ≠0
𝜌𝑒 = 𝑍𝑛𝑖 − 𝑛𝑒 𝑒 𝜌𝑒 = 0 and 𝑛 = 𝑍𝑛𝑖 = 𝑛𝑒

Electron waves
(electromagnetic)

Light waves
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2

Light waves
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2

(2015).
Dispersion relation for electromagnetic waves in a plasma with no do magnetic field

Light waves
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2
2𝜋
𝑘=
𝜆
𝜔 = 𝜔𝑝
𝑛𝑐 = 𝑚𝜖0 𝜔 2 Τ𝑒 2

(2015).
Light waves
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2
The skin depth 𝛿 is found as follows.
The wave has a spatial dependence 𝑒𝑥𝑝 𝑖𝑘𝑥
𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 = 𝑒 − 𝑘 𝑥 = 𝑒 −𝑥Τ𝛿

Light waves
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2
𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 = 𝑒 − 𝑘 𝑥 = 𝑒 −𝑥Τ𝛿

Light waves
Index of refraction
𝑛෤ ≡ 𝑐Τ𝜐𝜙 = 𝑐𝑘 Τ𝜔
Microwave measurement of plasma density by the cutoff of

the transmitted signal
Light waves
Figure. A microwave interferometer for plasma density measurement

Light waves
Figure 4-29
The observed signal from an interferometer (right) as plasma density is increased, and
the corresponding wave patterns in the plasma (left)
Light waves
The 𝐶𝑂2 laser operates at 𝜆 = 10,6𝜇𝑚
A plasma lens has unusual optical properties, since the index of refraction is less
than unity.
Figure
A plasma confined in a long, linear solenoid will trap the 𝐶𝑂2 laser light used to heat it
only if the plasma has a density minimum on axis. The vacuum chamber has been
omitted for clarity. Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology
Light waves
Exaggerated view of the earths ionosphere, illustrating the effect of plasma on

radio communications.
Electromagnetic waves
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 , 𝐸1 ∥ 𝐵0 :
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 , 𝐸1 ⊥ 𝐵0 :
Figures source: Francis F. Chen-Introduction to Plasma Physics and

Geometry for electromagnetic waves propagating at right angles to electromagnetic

waves ⊥ 𝐵0
Electromagnetic waves
An ordinary wave launched from a waveguide antenna toward a magnetized

plasma column.
O wave
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 , 𝐸1 ∥ 𝐵0 :
𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2
Geometry for electromagnetic waves propagating at right angles to 𝐵0

O-mode wave
𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2
Geometry for electromagnetic waves propagating at right angles to 𝐵0

O-mode wave
An ordinary wave launched from a waveguide antenna toward a magnetized

plasma column. Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology
X-mode wave
Figures source: Francis F. Chen-

Introduction to Plasma Physics and
The E- vector of an extraordinary wave is elliptically polarized. The components 𝐸𝑥 and

𝐸𝑦 oscillate 90° out phase, so that the total electric field vector 𝐸1 has a tip that moves
in an ellipse once in each wave period.
Cutoffs and resonances
0 Cutoff (Reflected wave)
∞ Resonance (Absorbed wave)
The resonance of the extraordinary wave is found by setting k equal to infinity

in Eq. For any finite 𝜔, 𝑘 → ∞ implies ω → 𝜔ℎ , so that a resonance occurs at
a point in the plasma where

Figures source: Goldston, R.J. (2000) Introduction to Plasma Physics.
Mechanical analog to wave cutoffs and resonances.

Figures source: Umran, S. and Golkowski, M. (2011) Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists (1st ed.)

𝑛෤ ≡ 𝑐 Τ𝜐𝜙 = 𝑐𝑘Τ𝜔 0 cutoffs
The cutoffs of the extraordinary wave are found by setting k equal to zero in Eq. Dividing
by 𝜔2 − 𝜔𝑝2 , we can write the resulting equation for 𝜔 as follows:
𝜔𝑝2 1
1= 2 [1]
𝜔 1 − 𝜔𝑐2ൗ 𝜔2 − 𝜔𝑝2
A few tricky algebraic steps will yield a simple expression for 𝜔 :
𝜔2𝑐 𝜔2𝑝
1− =
𝜔2 − 𝜔2𝑝 𝜔2
𝜔𝑝2 𝜔𝑐2Τ𝜔2
1− 2 =
𝜔 1 − 𝜔𝑝2Τ𝜔2
2
𝜔𝑝 𝜔𝑐
1 − 𝜔2 = ± 𝜔
𝜔2 ∓ 𝜔𝜔𝑐 − 𝜔𝑝2 = 0 [2]
Each of the two sings will give a different cutoff frequency ; we shall call these 𝜔𝑅 and
𝜔𝐿 . The roots of the two quadratics are
[3]

𝜔ℎ2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔2
0 Cutoff (Reflected wave)
∞ Resonance (Absorbed wave)

Dispersion diagram for the extraordinary wave
𝑛෤ ≡ 𝑐 Τ𝜐𝜙 = 𝑐𝑘Τ𝜔 0 Cut (Reflected wave)
𝑛෤ ≡ 𝑐 Τ𝜐𝜙 = 𝑐𝑘Τ𝜔 ∞ Resonance (Absorbed wave)

Dispersion diagram for the ordinary wave
A similar dispersion diagram for the ordinary wave.

Summary of Elementary plasma Waves
Electron waves (electromagnetic)
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2 (Light waves) [1]
(O wave) [2]
(X wave) [3]
(R wave) [4]
(whistler mode)
(L wave) [5]

Electromagnetic waves parallel to Bo
𝒌 ∥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶
𝒌 = 𝑘 𝑧Ƹ 𝑬𝟏 = 𝐸𝑥 ෝ
𝒙 + 𝐸𝑦 ෝ
𝒚
Geometry of right – and left – handed circulary polarized waves propagating along

Electromagnetic waves parallel to Bo
𝜔 2
Thus 𝜔𝑐 𝑝 𝜔𝑐
𝜔2 − 𝑐 2 𝑘 2 = 𝛼 1 ± = 1 ±
𝜔 1 − 𝜔𝑐2Τ𝜔 2 𝜔
1 ± 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔 𝜔𝑝2
= 𝜔𝑝2 =
1 + 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔 1 − 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔 1 ∓ 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔
[6]
The ∓ sign indicates the there are two possible solutions to Eq. corresponding
to two different waves that can propagate along 𝐵0 . The dispersion relations
are
𝑐2 𝑘2 𝜔𝑝2Τ𝜔2
𝑛෤ 2 = =1 − (R wave) [7]
𝜔2 1 − 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔
𝑐2 𝑘2 𝜔𝑝2Τ𝜔2
𝑛෤2 = =1 − (L wave) [8]
𝜔2 1 + 𝜔𝑐 Τ𝜔

R wave whistler mode
𝒌 = 𝑘 𝒛ො 𝑬𝟏 = 𝐸𝑥 ෝ
𝒙 + 𝐸𝑦 ෝ
𝒚
Geometry of right- and left- handed circularly polarized waves propagating along 𝐵0
L wave
𝒌 = 𝑘 𝒛ො 𝑬𝟏 = 𝐸𝑥 ෝ
𝒙 + 𝐸𝑦 ෝ
𝒚
Geometry of right- and left- handed circularly polarized waves propagating along 𝐵0
To summarize
For waves propagating in the opposite direction. To summarize:
The principal electromagnetic waves propagating along 𝑩𝟎

are a right- hand (R) and a left- hand (L) circularly polarized
wave.
The principal waves propagating across 𝑩𝟎 are a plane- polarized

wave (O-wave) and an elliptically polarized wave (X-wave)

Cutoffs and Resonances: L waves and R wave
L wave R wave
For the R wave, k becomes infinite at 𝜔 = 𝜔𝑐 ; the wave is then in resonance

with the cyclotron motion of the electrons. The direction of rotation of the plane
of polarization is the same as the direction of gyration of electrons; the wave
loses its energy in continuously accelerating the electrons, and it cannot
propagate. The L wave, on the other hand, does not have a cyclotron
resonance with the electrons because it rotates in the opposite sense. As is
easily seen from Eq. [4-117], the L wave does not have a resonance for positive
. If we had included ion motions in our treatment, the L wave would have been
found to have a resonance at 𝜔 = 𝛺𝑐 , since it would then rotate with the ion
gyration.
Cutoffs and Resonances: L wave and R wave
1 2 2 1Τ2
𝜔2 ∓ 𝜔𝜔𝑐 − 𝜔𝑝2 = 0 𝜔𝑅 = 𝜔 + 𝜔𝑐 + 4𝜔𝑝
2 𝑐
1 2 2 1Τ2
𝜔𝐿 = −𝜔𝑐 + 𝜔𝑐 + 4𝜔𝑝
2
𝑐 𝑐𝑘
𝑛෤ ≡ =
𝜐𝜙 𝜔
1 𝑣𝜙2 𝑐2 𝑘 2
= = 2
𝑛෤ 2 𝑐2 𝜔
𝜐𝜙 < 𝑐
Whistler Mode
2
Figure 4-39 The 𝜐𝜙 Τ𝑐 2 𝑣𝑠. 𝜔 diagrams for the L and R waves. The regions of
2Τ 2
nonpropagation 𝜐𝜙 𝑐 < 0 ,have not been shaded, since they are different for
Faraday rotation of the plane of polarization of an electromagnetic wave

traveling along 𝐵𝑜

Ion Waves
(electromagnetic)

Alfvén waves (electromagnetic)
2 2 1 Τ2
𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 = 𝑘 𝜐𝐴2 𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵 Τ 𝜇0 𝜌
(a) Sound waves (b) Shear Alfvén waves

Magnetosonic wave
1 Τ2
(d) Compressional Alfvén or magnetosonic 𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵 Τ 𝜇0𝜌
waves

Ion waves (electromagnetic)
𝑩𝟎 = 𝟎 None
𝒌 ∥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝑘 2𝜐𝐴2 (Alfén wave) [1]
𝜔2 2 2
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 2 𝜐𝑠 + 𝜐𝐴
= 𝑐 2 2 (Magnetosonic [2]
𝑘2 𝑐 + 𝜐𝐴 wave)

Types of waves in a plasma and models
Electrostatic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model
Electromagnetic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model
Hydromagnetic waves → are based on a single-fluid

treatment
Waves in hot plasmas → require working directly with the

distribution function

𝑑𝐮 𝜕𝐮
𝜌𝑚 = 𝜌𝑚 + 𝐮 ∙ 𝛻𝐮 = 𝜌𝑒 𝐄 + 𝐣 × 𝐁 − 𝛻𝑝
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝐄
=0
𝜕𝑡
𝛻 × 𝐁 = 𝜇0 𝐣

Alfvén or Hydromagnetic Wave
Ω2𝑝 𝑛0 𝑒 2 𝑀 2 𝜌
𝜔2 − 𝑐2 𝑘2 = −𝜔2 = −𝜔 2 = −𝜔 2
Ω2𝑐 𝜖0𝑀 𝑒 2 𝐵02 𝜖0 𝐵02
𝜔2 𝑐2 𝑐2
= =
𝑘2 1 + 𝜌Τ𝜖0 𝐵02 1 + 𝜌𝜇0Τ𝜖0 𝐵02 𝑐 2
Where 𝜌 is the mass density 𝑛0𝑀 .

𝜌 𝜖 𝜇0 𝜌𝑐2
𝜖 = 𝜖0 + 2 or 𝜖𝑅 ≡ =1+
𝐵 𝜖0 𝐵2
𝜔 𝑐 𝑐 𝜇𝑅 = 1
= = 1Τ2 for
𝑘 𝜖𝑅 𝜇𝑅 1Τ2 𝜖𝑅
𝜔 𝐵0
= 𝜐𝜙 =
𝑘 𝜇0 𝜌 1Τ2
1Τ2
Alfvén velocity 𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵Τ 𝜇0 𝜌
𝜔 𝐵0
= 𝜐𝜙 = [4-125]
These hydromagnetic waves travel along 𝐵0 at a constant velocity 𝑣𝐴, called

the Alfvén velocity:
1Τ2
𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵Τ 𝜇0 𝜌 [4-126]
This is a characteristic velocity at which perturbations of the lines of force

travel. The dielectric constant of Eq. [3-28] can now be written
𝜖𝑅 ≡ 𝜖Τ𝜖0 = 1 + 𝑐2 Τ𝜐𝐴2 [4-127]

Brief History of Plasma Physics
Hannes Olof Gösta Alfvén

(30 May 1908 – 2 April 1995)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannes
▪ Hannes Alfven (19081995) is widely known, as a father of the plasma

magnetohydrodynamics.
▪ He developed theories regarding the nature of the galactic magnetic field

and space plasmas.
▪ Prof. Alfven received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for “fundamental

work and discoveries in magnetohydrodynamics.”
𝒌 ∥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝐴2
𝒋𝟏 × 𝑩𝟎 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝜐𝑝
𝜔2 ≪ Ω2𝑐 1 𝑑𝐸
𝜐𝑝 = ±
𝜔𝑐 𝐵 𝑑𝑡
𝑬𝟏 × 𝑩𝟎 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦
Figure 4-45 Geometry of an Alfvén wave propagating along 𝐵0.

Figure 4-46 Relation among the oscillating quantities in a Alfvén wave and the
(exaggerated) distortion of the lines of force.
Figure 4-47 Geometry of a torsional (or shear) Alfvén wave in a cylindrical
column.
A density of
6 × 1021 𝑚 −3
2.8 × 105 𝑚/𝑠
Figure 4-49 Measured phase velocity of Alfvén waves vs. Magnetic field.
𝜔 𝐵0
= 𝜐𝜙 = [4-125]
These hydromagnetic waves travel along 𝐵0 at a constant velocity 𝑣𝐴, called

the Alfvén velocity:
1Τ2
𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵Τ 𝜇0 𝜌 [4-126]
Magnetosonic wave
1 Τ2
(d) Compressional Alfvén or magnetosonic 𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵 Τ 𝜇0𝜌
waves
1Τ2
𝐾𝑇𝑒 + 𝛾𝑖 𝐾𝑇𝑖
≡ 𝜐𝑠
𝑀
Magnetosonic wave
1 Τ2
𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵 Τ 𝜇0𝜌
1Τ2
≡ 𝜐𝑠
𝑬𝟏 × 𝑩𝟎 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝒌 𝑀
Figure 4-50 Geometry of a magnetosonic wave propagating at right

angles to 𝐵0 .
Magnetosonic wave
1 Τ2
𝜐𝐴 ≡ 𝐵 Τ 𝜇0𝜌
1Τ2
≡ 𝜐𝑠
𝑀
𝑩𝟎 → 𝟎, 𝝊𝑨 → 𝟎
Geometry of a magnetosonic wave

𝑲𝑻 → 𝟎, 𝝊𝒔 → 𝟎
propagating at right angles to 𝐵0 .
The phase velocity of the magnetosonic mode is almost always larger then 𝑣𝐴 ; for
this reason, it is often called simply the “fast” hydromagnetic wave.
Summary of Elementary plasma Waves
Electron waves (electrostatic)
2 3 2 2
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝒌 ∥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 𝜐𝑡ℎ (Plasma oscillations) [4-143]
2
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔 2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝜔𝑐2 = 𝜔ℎ2 (Upper hybrid oscillations) [4-144]

Summary of Elementary plasma waves
Ion waves (electrostatic)
𝐵0 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ∥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2 (Acoustic waves) [4-145]
𝑘 ⊥ 𝐵0 ∶ 𝜔2 = Ω2𝑐 + 𝑘 2 𝜐𝑠2 (Electrostatic ion cyclotron waves) [4-146]
or
𝜔2 = 𝜔𝑡2 = Ω𝑐 𝜔𝑐 (Lower hybrid oscillations) [4-147]

Electron waves (electromagnetic)
𝐵0 = 0 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝜔𝑝2 + 𝑘 2 𝑐 2 (Light waves) [4-148]
(O wave) [4-149]
(X wave) [4-150]
(R wave) [4-151]
(whistler mode)
(L wave) [4-152]
𝑩𝟎 = 𝟎 None
𝒌 ∥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ 𝜔2 = 𝑘 2𝜐𝐴2 (Alfén wave) [4-153]
𝜔2 2 2
2 𝜐𝑠 + 𝜐𝐴
𝒌 ⊥ 𝑩𝟎 ∶ = 𝑐 2 2 (Magnetosonic wave) [4-154]
𝑘2 𝑐 + 𝜐𝐴
The CMA Diagram
dashed lines the reflection points.
solid lines principal resonances
Figure 4-51 A Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis diagram for classification of waves in a

cold plasma.
Figure 4-51 A Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis diagram for classification of waves in a
cold plasma.
Thank you
very much

Presentacion Física de Plasmas Unidad 4 Versión 3

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Presentacion Física de Plasmas Unidad 4 Versión 3

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Dr.

Iván Vargas Blanco

Unit 4. Waves in plasma (8 hours): Importance of the waves

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Any periodic motion of a fluid can be decomposed by Fourier analysis into a

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

▪ A simple wave is any one of these components.

▪ When the oscillation amplitude is small, the

▪ And there is only one component.

This is the situation we shall consider!

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Electrostatic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model

Electromagnetic waves → multiple-fluid plasma model

Hydromagnetic waves → are based on a single-fluid

Waves in hot plasmas → require working directly with the

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

𝑬𝟏 → oscillating electric field

𝑩𝟏 → oscillating magnetic field

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Subscripts “0” : background values of the quantities

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Parallel and perpendicular waves → the

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Longitudinal and transverse waves →refer to

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Electrostatic waves→If the oscillating magnetic

Electromagnetic waves→If the oscillating

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

If a wave in longitudinal, 𝒌 × 𝑬1 vanishes, and the wave is also

If the wave is transverse, 𝑩1 is finite, and the wave is electromagnetic.

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

We define the phase 𝜑 of a monochromatic wave by

This is called the phase velocity

Any oscillating quantity 𝒈𝟏 will be written

𝐸1 and 𝐸2 differ in frequency by 2∆𝜔

Spatial variation of the electric field of two waves with a

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Mechanism of plasma oscillations

We shall derive an expression for the plasma frequency

1)There is no magnetic field.

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

The electron equation of continuity is:

The oscillating quantities are assumed to behave

𝑛𝑒 = 𝑛𝑒0 + 𝑛𝑒1 𝒖𝒆 = 𝒖𝒆𝟎 + 𝒖𝒆𝟏 𝑬 = 𝑬𝟎 + 𝑬𝟏

Since we have assumed a uniform neutral plasma at

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

Dr. Iván Vargas-Blanco, Costa Rica Institute of Technology

The continuity equation now becomes: