Study of The O-X-Q-B Conversion Process at the Second Harmonic of the Electron Cyclotron Frequency in Hot and Dense Plasmas

The propagation and absorption of ordinary waves in the range of the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency in a hot and dense plasma, have been analyzed by means of a wave-dynamical approach. The existence of two different mode conversion schemes, occurring respectively when the injection takes place from the low or from the high magnetic field side, is shown. From the low magnetic field side, the ordinary wave is converted into an extraordinary mode, successively transformed into quasielectrostatic (Q) modes, and finally, into Bernstein waves. From the high field side, no connection with Bernstein waves is possible, and, therefore, the ordinary mode produces only extraordinary and quasielectrostatic waves. © 1989, THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.