Plasma fibre using bright-core helicon plasma

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of a plasma fibre using bright-core helicon plasma, analyzing its wave-guiding properties through theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches, with potential applications in reconfigurable communication systems.

Contribution

It presents the novel idea of a plasma fibre with detailed theoretical and numerical analysis, and suggests experimental verification and practical applications.

Findings

Total reflection occurs near sharp plasma density gradients.

Wave-guiding is possible if incident angle exceeds a threshold.

Numerical results confirm theoretical predictions.

Abstract

This paper reports an innovative concept of ``plasma fibre" using bright-core helicon plasma, inspired by its spatial and spectral similarities to the well-known optical fibre. Theoretical analyses are presented for both ideal case of step-like density profile and the realistic case of Gaussian density profile in radius. The total reflection of electromagnetic waves near the sharp plasma density gradient and consequently the wave-guide feature could indeed happen if the incident angle is larger than a threshold value. Numerical computations using electromagnetic solver that based on Maxwell's equations and cold-plasma dielectric tensor yield consistent results. The experimental verification and prospective applications are also suggested. The ``plasma fibre" could be functional component that embedded into existing communication systems for special purpose based on its capability of dynamic reconfiguration.