Circularly polarized modes in magnetized spin plasmas

TL;DR

This paper explores how electron spin affects circularly polarized wave propagation in magnetized plasmas, revealing new eigenmodes and highlighting the significance of electron spin resonance for plasma diagnostics.

Contribution

It introduces new eigenmodes influenced by electron spin in magnetized plasmas, expanding understanding of wave propagation under quantum and magnetic effects.

Findings

Identifies new spin-related eigenmodes in plasma.

Shows spin effects are significant below quantum critical magnetic fields.

Discusses electron spin resonance as a diagnostic tool.

Abstract

The influence of the intrinsic spin of electrons on the propagation of circularly polarized waves in a magnetized plasma is considered. New eigenmodes are identified, one of which propagates below the electron cyclotron frequency, one above the spin-precession frequency, and another close to the spin-precession frequency.\ The latter corresponds to the spin modes in ferromagnets under certain conditions. In the nonrelativistic motion of electrons, the spin effects become noticeable even when the external magnetic field $B_{0}$ is below the quantum critical\ magnetic field strength, i.e., $B_{0}<$ $B_{Q} =4.4138\times10^{9}\, \mathrm{T}$ and the electron density satisfies $n_{0} \gg n_{c}\simeq10^{32}$m$^{-3}$. The importance of electron spin (paramagnetic) resonance (ESR) for plasma diagnostics is discussed.