Nonlinear Interaction of an Electromagnetic Wave with a Plasma Layer in the Presence of a Static Magnetic Field. II. Higher Harmonics and a Nonlinear Propagation Theory

Following the theory developed in Part I, a discussion is given of the properties of the third- and fourth-harmonic waves generated within a plasma layer. The conversion loss for the $h\mathrm{th}$ harmonic is presented. Conditions for the validity of the small-signal analysis are derived. Also, a technique for using the harmonics as a means of measuring the plasma parameters is presented. A method is then given for reiterating the general solution for the field at the $h\mathrm{th}$ harmonic. This reiteration procedure extends the range of validity of the small-signal analysis and also allows the determination of a correction to the field at the fundamental frequency. This correction takes into account the effects of the nonlinear terms, in the Boltzmann transport equation, on propagation phenomena. A discussion is given of the corrected field as a function of the plasma parameters. Under certain conditions the correction can be as large as 50%.