Opaque Plasma

This definition page has been automatically generated. You can help ExoDictionary by expanding, updating, or correcting it.

This autostub has not yet had its initial copyediting proof and may contain significant formatting and even factual errors. You can improve Exodictionary by cleaning up the page markup and verifying that the definition is correct and then removing this tag.

This autostub has not yet had its initial categorization proof and may be categorized incorrectly. You can improve Exodictionary by removing inappropriate categories and then removing this tag.

Opaque Plasma

</dt>
A plasma through which an electromagnetic wave cannot propagate and is either absorbed or reflected. </dd>
In general, a plasma is opaque for frequencies below the plasma frequency. The fact that a plasma is opaque over a certain frequency range will change the radiation properties within that frequency range. Any radiation emitted within the volume of the plasma is quickly absorbed. In this opaque region, therefore, the plasma can only radiate from its surface. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use