Eigenwave spectra of a solid-state plasma cylinder in a strong longitudinal magnetic field

Subject and Purpose. Eigenwave studies of various bounded structures make a prolific line of investigation in both modern radiophysics and solid-state and functional electronics. Conducting solids demonstrating plasma (semiconductor) properties attract particular attention. Owing to the high conductivity of semiconductors (as it is inversely proportional to the charge carrier effective mass that is smaller than the free electron mass), interest exists in propagation features of slow elliptical-polarization electromagnetic waves – helicons – in magnetized semiconductor waveguides. The present work aims to determine eigenwave spectra of a solid-state plasma cylinder in a strong constant concentric magnetic field.

Methods and Methodology. The eigenwave theoretical study of a magnetoplasma cylinder in the free space is conducted in terms of Maxwell's equations. The motion equation of conduction electrons of a solid-state plasma is adopted with quasi-stationarity electromagnetic field conditions satisfied. The collision frequency of majority charge carriers is assumed substantially less than their cyclotron frequency.

Results. The dispersion equation of a cylindrical solid-state plasma (semiconductor) waveguide has been obtained. It has been shown that a collisionless magnetoplasma waveguide supports propagation of bulk and surface helicons. The propagation is accompanied by the surface current flowing lengthways cylinder components. Charged particle collisions destroy the surface current and initiate additional (to helicons) H-type hybrid waves such that their phase velocities coincide with phase velocities of the helicons. It has been found that the nonreciprocity effect holds for the waveguide eigenwaves having identical field distribution structures but different azimuthal propagation directions, and it also does as soon as the external magnetic field changes its sense.  

Conclusion. The research results have deepened our understanding of physical properties of bounded structures with plasma-like filling media. More systematization has been added to the knowledge of eigenwave behavior of these structures in a quasi-stationarity electromagnetic field.