Simulation of reflectometry Bragg backscattering spectral responses in the absence of a cutoff layer

Rev Sci Instrum. 2010 Oct;81(10):10D927. doi: 10.1063/1.3499642.

Abstract

Experimental reflectometry signals obtained in the absence of a cutoff layer, with the possibility of interferometric operation excluded, show a coherent and recurrent frequency spectrum signature similar to an Alfvén cascade signature. A possible explanation resides in the modulation of a resonant Bragg backscattering response by an Alfvén mode structure located at the center of the plasma whose frequency of oscillation modulates the backscattered signal in a conformable way. This situation is modeled and simulated using an O-mode full-wave Maxwell finite-difference time-domain code and the resulting signatures are discussed.