Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics

Waves in Plasma—Propagation of Perturbations

Introduction

Plasmas are unique in that there is a coupling of fluid and electromagnetic field properties. Accordingly, the medium can support wave motions with a combination of fluid and field perturbations. While a comprehensive discussion of plasma waves is not the intent in this introductory work, the importance of this unique physical behavior requires that basic descriptions and analysis of the type of unique wave motions possible be presented here.

Many of the important aspects of wave behavior have been introduced in fundamental treatments of electromagnetic waves in gases; these are familiar to all readers. Here, the presentation will review these basic ideas for emphasis and for a foundation ...