An analysis of electromagnetic coupling and eigenfrequencies for microwave electrothermal thruster discharges
This paper discusses the basic approach to developing a comprehensive electromagnetic model for a microwave electrothermal discharge. The discharge and surrounding region are modeled as a section of waveguide loaded with a uniform, cold, lossy plasma. A characteristic equation has been derived describing all possible system modes. In particular the TM(01) mode is numerically solved. Propagation and attenuation constants for the TM(01) mode are found numerically for a given range of electron-neutral collision frequencies and plasma densities. Results are used to interpret a number of experimental observations in helium. Specifically, they are used to explain high coupling efficiencies and ease of cavity tuning at high pressures.