Matrix Algorithm of Approximate Solution of Wave Equations in Inhomogeneous Magnetoactive Plasma

The problem of propagation of an electromagnetic wave in plane-stratified magnetoactive plasma is analyzed. A matrix algorithm of approximate solution of a set of wave equations is proposed. The algorithm consists in successive finding of the medium-inhomogeneity-induced corrections to the local roots of the dispersion relation and local polarization vectors. The set of field equations is reduced to a set of algebraic equations. The proposed algorithm is convenient for numerical calculations. In contrast to the classical geometrical-optics approximation, the proposed algorithm allows one to take into account the weak effect of linear mode interaction. Examples of numerical calculations of the power reflection coefficient of whistler waves incident on the ionosphere from above are presented. The proposed matrix algorithm can be useful to find the coefficients of reflection and linear transformation of waves in a smoothly inhomogeneous ionosphere.