Electron Cyclotron Radiative Transfer in the Presence of Polarization Scrambling in Wall Reflections

An exact analytical solution of the equation of radiative transfer is obtained for a cylindrical system with specularly reflecting walls, accounting for the presence of polarization scrambling in the reflection process. The effects of polarization scrambling on the specific intensity of the radiation can be described via an effective wall reflection coefficient for the extraordinary (x) and ordinary (o) mode. For the special case of electron cyclotron radiation in a fusion plasma, a numerical analysis of the impact of polarization scrambling on both the specific intensity of the radiation and the radial profile of the net power radiated as well as on the total power loss is carried out for ITER-like parameters in steady-state operation.