Microwave-Plasma Interaction in a Thermally Ionized Plasma

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Abstract
Equations have been formulated that govern the interaction between a plane transverse electromagnetic wave and the slightly ionized nonequilibrium gas flowing downstream of a shock wave. Under the assumption that the electromagnetic field is weak, the equations have been linearized and analytical solutions have been obtained. These solutions indicate that significant localized heating of the gas can be accomplished only for narrow ranges of the parameters of the problem. Calculations have been made for the increase in electron density and change in reflection coefficient. The results indicate that very small fields (e.g., 10 mW/cm2) can heat the electrons enough to significantly alter the reflection coefficient.