Relativistic theory of mode conversion at plasma frequency.

The equations governing the mode conversion between an electromagnetic wave and the plasma wave are derived from the relativistic Vlasov equation. They are further reduced to a two dimensional matrix equation involving only two electric field components. It is shown that the mode conversion efficiency diminishes to zero at both 0° and 90° of incidence angles, becomes insignificant beyond 45° and tends to improve with higher plasma temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]