Plasma particle rotation by microwave fields

Summary form only given. Orthogonal standing electric field waves with 90deg phase difference form a rotating electrical field vector that has been observed to induce plasma rotation. Similarly, electric field waves traveling linearly have been shown to propel plasma. In both cases the plasmas are at high pressure, and collisional effects are important. This analysis demonstrates that low density plasma, where collisional effects are unimportant, also rotates in a rotating electric field vector. Even a single charged particle starting at an arbitrary position in a rotating electrical field shows this effect. The particle moves in a nearly circular path at the rotating field frequency, and drifts at a slower rate around the field rotation center. This drift rotation rate increases with the particle charge to mass ratio: e.g. electrons are faster than protons. While the effect is present at microwave frequencies such as 2.45 GHz, the effect is stronger at lower frequencies. Physically, the drift rotation force is caused by a phase lag between the rotating field vector and the circular particle motion. The phase lag causes a net tangential force around the field rotation center. Forced plasma rotation allows generation of a voltage loop through BtimesV dynamo interaction with an ambient steady magnetic field. The voltage loop forms a standing direct current loop that heats the plasma and confines it in a toroid through the ItimesB pinch effect. This effect could have applications for plasma current drive, and may be part of the microwave oven "ball lightning" effects