Nonlinear phenomena of generation of longitudinal electric current by transversal electromagnetic field in plasmas

TL;DR

This paper investigates how nonlinear interactions between electromagnetic fields and collisionless plasmas generate a new longitudinal electric current aligned with the wave vector, differing from the classical linear transversal current.

Contribution

It derives formulas for electric current in collisionless plasmas with arbitrary electron degeneracy, revealing the emergence of a longitudinal current due to nonlinearity.

Findings

Nonlinear effects produce a longitudinal electric current in plasma.

Formulas applicable to plasmas with any degree of electron degeneracy.

Longitudinal current is orthogonal to the classical transversal current.

Abstract

The analysis of nonlinear interaction of transversal electromagnetic field with collisionless plasma is carried out. Formulas for calculation electric current in collisionless plasma with arbitrary degree of degeneration of electronic gas are deduced. It has appeared, that the nonlinearity account leads to occurrence of the longitudinal electric current directed along a wave vector. This second current is orthogonal to the known transversal current, received at the classical linear analysis.