Electron-cyclotron absorption by inhomogeneous current-carrying plasmas

Abstract

We consider effects of inhomogeneity on the absorption of high-frequency electromagnetic waves, propagating at arbitrary angles relative to the magnetic field, by current-carrying plasmas. An inhomogeneous current is assumed to be immersed in an otherwise homogeneous background, and the absorption of fundamental electron-cyclotron waves is discussed, with emphasis on the dependence of the inhomogeneity effect on wave frequency and angle of propagation.