Experimental study of nonlinear electromagnetic propagation and interactions with turbulent magnetized plasmas

Both laboratory and field experiments have been conducted to investigate the effects of plasma turbulence on electron cyclotron resonance absorption and broadband electromagnetic wave attenuation. The laboratory experiments were carried out with a toroidal plasma chamber which produces magnetized plasmas with inherent plasma turbulence. Preliminary analysis indicates that electromagnetic waves can be further weakened during the electron cyclotron resonance absorption in the presence of plasma turbulence, as expected. An effort has been made to sort the physical processes which have contributed additively to the anomalous absorption of electromagnetic waves by turbulent plasmas. Field experiments, performed at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, assess the gross effect of plasma turbulence on the radar detection of spacecraft. Space plasma turbulence was artificially created by a ground-based HF heater. Results of ACTIVE space plasma experiments have been obtained.