Diagnostics of a Magnetized Plasma by the Field of Surface
Waves Guided by a Discharge Channel

S. B. Bodrov and G. A. Markov

Lobachevsky State University, pr. Gagarina 23, Nizhni Novgorod, 630950 Russia

Received April 8, 2002; in final form, June 4, 2002

Abstract—A diagnostic method for determining plasma density from the dispersion of surface waves guided
by a discharge channel in an axial magnetic field is discussed. The diagnostic characteristics that are the easiest
to record experimentally are determined by analyzing the theoretical dispersion curves, and the ways of exploit-
ing these characteristics for plasma diagnostics are suggested. To determine the slowing-down factor of a prob-
ing wave in a plasma channel, it is proposed to use diagnostic-signal resonances that occur when the wavelength
of the slowed wave becomes equal to the length of the emitting or receiving antenna. The dependence of the
plasma density averaged over the cross section of the plasma column on the strength of the external magnetic
field is determined for a discharge channel formed as a result of the ionization self-channeling of plasma (lower
hybrid) waves and whistlers. © 2002 MAIK “Nauka/Interperiodica”.

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