Gyrocenter-gauge kinetic algorithm for high frequency waves in magnetized plasmas

A kinetic simulation algorithm for high-frequency electromagnetic waves has been developed based on the gyrocenter-gauge kinetic theory. The magnetized plasma system is simulated in the gyrocenter coordinate system. The gyrocenter distribution function F is sampled on the gyrocenter, parallel velocity, and magnetic moment coordinates. The gyrocenter-gauge function S is sampled on the Kruskal rings and shares the first five coordinates with F. The moment integral of pullback transformation is directly calculated using the Monte Carlo method and an explicit difference scheme for Maxwell's equations in terms of potentials is adopted. The new algorithm has been successfully applied to the simulation studies of high frequency extraordinary wave, electron Bernstein wave, and the mode conversion process between the extraordinary wave and the electron Bernstein wave in inhomogeneous plasmas.