Comment on 'Plasma ionization by annularly bounded helicon waves'[Phys. Plasmas 13, 063501 (2006)]

摘要

The neoclassical calculation of the helicon wave theory contains a fundamental flaw. Use is madeof a proportional relationship between the magnetic field and its curl to derive the Helmholtzequation describing helicon wave propagation. However, by the fundamental theorem of Stokes, thecurl of the magnetic field must be perpendicular to that portion of the field contributing to the localcurl. Re-examination of the equations of motion indicates that only electromagnetic wavespropagate through a stationary region of constant pressure in a fully ionized, neutral medium.