Theory on electromagnetic surface wave propagation in inhomogeneous plasmas

Effects of plasma density nonuniformity on the surface wave propagation along plasma-plasma and plasma-dielectric interfaces are investigated. Plasma inhomogeneities in longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the direction of wave propagation are considered. The influence of the inhomogeneity on the propagation properties (dispersion, absorption) of the surface waves and the space distribution of the wave fields is analyzed. The wave behavior in the region of the quasi-static surface wave resonance is also studied.