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We report the first quasioptical simulations of wave beams in a hot plasma using the quasioptical code PARADE (PAraxial RAy DEscription) [Phys. Plasmas 26, 072112 (2019)]. This code is unique in that it accounts for inhomogeneity of the dissipation-rate across the beam and mode conversion simultaneously. We show that the dissipation-rate inhomogeneity shifts beams relative to their trajectories in cold plasma and that the two electromagnetic modes are coupled via this process, an effect that was ignored in the past. We also propose a simplified approach to accounting for the dissipation-rate inhomogeneity. This approach is computationally inexpensive and simplifies analysis of actual experiments.

This work continues a series of papers where we propose an algorithm for quasioptical modeling of electromagnetic beams with and without mode conversion. The general theory was reported in the first paper of this series, where a parabolic partial differential equation was derived for the field envelope that may contain one or multiple modes with close group velocities. Here, we present a corresponding code PARADE (PAraxial RAy DEscription) and its test applications to single-mode beams in vacuum and also in inhomogeneous magnetized plasma. The numerical results are compared, respectively, with analytic formulas from Gaussian-beam optics and also with cold-plasma ray tracing. Quasioptical simulations of mode-converting beams are reported in the next, third paper of this series.

This work continues a series of papers where we propose an algorithm for quasioptical modeling of electromagnetic beams with and without mode conversion. The general theory was reported in the first paper of this series, where a parabolic partial differential equation was derived for the field envelope that may contain one or multiple modes with close group velocities. In the second paper, we presented a corresponding code PARADE (PAraxial RAy DEscription) and its test applications to single-mode beams. Here, we report quasioptical simulations of mode-converting beams for the first time. We also demonstrate that PARADE can model splitting of two-mode beams. The numerical results produced by PARADE show good agreement with those of one-dimensional full-wave simulations and also with conventional ray tracing (to the extent that one-dimensional and ray-tracing simulations are applicable).

This work opens a series of papers where we develop a general quasioptical theory for mode-converting electromagnetic beams in plasma and implement it in a numerical algorithm. Here, the basic theory is introduced. We consider a general quasimonochromatic multi-component wave in a weakly inhomogeneous linear medium with no sources. For any given dispersion operator that governs the wave field, we explicitly calculate the approximate operator that governs the wave envelope $\psi$ to the second order in the geometrical-optics parameter. Then, we further simplify this envelope operator by assuming that the gradient of $\psi$ transverse to the local group velocity is much larger than the corresponding parallel gradient. This leads to a parabolic differential equation for $\psi$ ("quasioptical equation") in the basis of the geometrical-optics polarization vectors. Scalar and mode-converting vector beams are described on the same footing. We also explain how to apply this model to electromagnetic waves in general. In the next papers of this series, we report successful quasioptical modeling of radiofrequency wave beams in magnetized plasma based on this theory., Comment: This is the first part of the three-paper series that also includes arXiv:1903.01357 and arXiv:1903.01364

A theory is proposed that describes mutual conversion of two electromagnetic modes in cold low-density plasma, specifically, in the high-frequency limit where the ion response is negligible. In contrast to the classic (Landau--Zener-type) theory of mode conversion, the region of resonant coupling in low-density plasma is not necessarily narrow, so the coupling matrix cannot be approximated with its first-order Taylor expansion; also, the initial conditions are set up differently. For the case of strong magnetic shear, a simple method is identified for preparing a two-mode wave such that it transforms into a single-mode wave upon entering high-density plasma. The theory can be used for reduced modeling of wave-power input in fusion plasmas. In particular, applications are envisioned in stellarator research, where the mutual conversion of two electromagnetic modes near the plasma edge is a known issue.

The small solar power sail demonstrator "IKAROS" is a Japanese engineering verification spacecraft launched by H-IIA rocket on May 21, 2010 at JAXA Tanegashima Space Center. IKAROS has a huge sail with 20 m in diameter which is made of thin polyimide membrane. This sail converts the solar radiation-pressure into the propulsion force of IKAROS and accelerates the spacecraft. The Gamma-Ray Burst Polarimeter (GAP) aboard IKAROS is the first polarimeter to observe the gamma-ray polarization of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) during the IKAROS cruising phase. GAP is a tinny detector of 3.8 kg in weight and 17 cm in size with an energy range between 50-300 keV. The GAP detector also plays a role of the interplanetary network (IPN) to determine the GRB direction. The detection principle of gamma-ray polarization is the anisotropy of the Compton scattering. GAP works as the GRB polarimeter with the full coincidence mode between the central plastic and the surrounding CsI detectors. GAP is the first instrument, devoted for the observation of gamma-ray polarization in the astronomical history. In this paper, we present the GAP detector and its ground and onboard calibrations., Comment: Submitted to Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan (PASJ), 23 pages, 14 figures