Plasma Boundary Collisionless Absorption Effects in the Loading of RF Conductors

摘要

This study considers the role of collisionless absorption at the boundary between an unmagnetized plasma and a conductor to which an RF potential is applied. The Landau half-space problem is examined from the energetic viewpoint to calculate the surface power absorption due ro longitudinal fields. The transverse field absorption is evaluated and the connection with the anomalous skin effect is indicated. The corresponding loading resistance is found to be significant for typical surface plasma parameters. A numerical study of pure bounce absorption heating demonstrates the physical reality of the process and uncovers the existence of a time asymptotic equilibrium between the kinetic energy of the plasma and the externally applied RF potential, independent of initial conditions or parameters. (Author)