The dispersion and propagation of topological Langmuir-cyclotron waves in cold magnetized plasmas

TL;DR

This paper investigates the topological Langmuir-Cyclotron Wave (TLCW) in magnetized plasmas, revealing its origin from topological phase transitions and demonstrating its robust, unidirectional propagation along complex interfaces through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of TLCW in plasmas, linking topological phase transitions to classical plasma wave classifications, and demonstrates its potential for plasma current and flow control.

Findings

TLCW originates from topological phase transition at wave resonance.

TLCW propagates unidirectionally without scattering along interfaces.

The analysis connects topological classification with classical plasma wave diagrams.

Abstract

Topological Langmuir-Cyclotron Wave (TLCW) is a recently identified topological surface excitation in magnetized plasmas. We show that TLCW originates from the topological phase transition at the Langmuir wave-cyclotron wave resonance. By isofrequency surface analysis and 2D and 3D time-dependent simulations, we demonstrate that the TLCW can propagate robustly along complex phase transition interfaces in a unidirectional manner and without scattering. Because of these desirable features, the TLCW could be explored as an effective mechanism to drive current and flow in magnetized plasmas. The analysis also establishes a close connection between the newly instituted topological phase classification of plasmas and the classical CMA diagram of plasma waves.