Enhanced reflection of an electromagnetic wave from a plasma cluster moving in a waveguide

An electromagnetic wave interaction with a plasma cluster moving in a waveguide is analyzed. It is shown here that the ratio of the plasma cluster velocity to the group velocity of an electromagnetic wave in a waveguide is essential. It is demonstrated that great magnitudes of reflectivity, on the order of thousands, can be achieved with comparatively small plasma velocity (relative factor on the order of 2). This owes to the presence of a double-dispersion mechanism: a plasma dispersion and a waveguide dispersion. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons Inc.