Finite-Difference Time-Domain Analysis of Wave Propagation in a Thin Plasma Layer

The propagation property of an electromagnetic wave in a thin plasma layer at high pressure is investigated with the finite-difference time-domain method. The effects of the non-uniformity of plasma distribution, and the frequency of incident wave on the propagation property of the electromagnetic wave are discussed. Numerical results indicate that the phase shift and the reflectivity of wave are sensitive to plasma density distribution, and reflectivity is lower at the middle band of frequency for different plasma distributions.