Coupled azimuthal modes propagating in current-carrying plasma waveguides

Abstract

AbstractThe paper is devoted to the theory of electromagnetic surface waves propagating along the azimuthal direction in cylindrical metal waveguides, which are filled with current-carrying plasmas. The problem is solved by the method of successive approximation. Adequacy of this method application is proved here. To study the coupling of ordinary (O-) and extraordinary (X-) azimuthal modes, the linear theory of the eigenazimuthal X- and O-modes is applied as zero approximation. Plasma particles are described in the framework of magneto-hydrodynamics, electromagnetic fields of the coupled azimuthal modes are determined from Maxwell equations. Spatial distribution of electromagnetic field of these coupled modes and their damping caused for different reasons are studied. Possibility to observe experimentally the phenomena, which accompany propagation of these coupled modes, is estimated numerically. Branches of their possible utilization are discussed as well.