The ponderomotive force in a magnetized plasma: The effect of radio‐frequency‐induced magnetization

The ponderomotive force acting on a magnetized plasma resulting from a radio‐frequency (rf) electric field is studied both theoretically and experimentally. The fundamental difference between the predictions of the single‐particle and fluid approaches is emphasized and its origin elucidated. An experiment is described that illustrates the collective interaction of a fluid with an rf field. This collective behavior manifests itself in the perpendicular ponderomotive force by the interaction of the rf‐induced magnetization current with the magnetic field.