High-Frequency Conductivity and the Emission and Absorption Coefficients of a Fully Ionized Plasma

Abstract

The problem of the ac conductivity of a fully ionized plasma is investigated for frequencies embracing the plasma frequency. The finite duration of encounters is taken into account in a self‐consistent fashion which includes collective effects. The concomitant processes of absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation are investigated and in particular the bremsstrahlung emission and absorption coefficients near the plasma frequency are given. The conversion of longitudinal to transverse waves by scattering from ions is discussed.