Transport equations for lower hybrid waves in a turbulent plasma

Abstract

We consider the limits of validity of ray tracing and ray diffusion equations, for short wavelength waves propagating in a turbulent plasma background. We derive an improved transport equation for the electric field autocorrelation function, where first order diffraction effects associated with these waves are included. We apply this description to the case of lower hybrid (LH) waves propagating in non-stationary plasma where density perturbations can occur due to drift wave turbulence, as well as magnetic field perturbations due to MHD turbulence. This is relevant to the problem of LH current drive.