ospheric structure and electron density can induce radio-wave scintillation and scattering, affecting a wide range of telecommunication systems. This section investigates a plasma phenomenon leading to ionospheric irregularities and striations and estimates its threshold and magnitude for conditions relevant to the solar power satellite microwave beam. 2.2.1 Thermal Self-Focusing Theory. The collective plasma process that has received the most attention with respect to potential ionosphere-microwave interactions is the phenomenon of thermal self-focusing. Small natural density fluctuations in the ionosphere cause a variation in the plasma index of refraction. As a result, an electromagnetic wave propagating through the plasma is slightly focused and defocused. Differential ohmic heating of the plasma gives rise to a temperature gradient, driving plasma from the focused region. This self-focusing is amplified spatially as the wave propagates, creating large-scale ionospheric irregularities similar to natural spread-F conditions. The theory of thermal self-focusing is developed separately for underdense and
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