Ray-tracing through EC resonance and the wave energy flux

A paradox in the theory of wave propagation through electron cyclotron (EC) resonance is noted: absorption is weak as required for the validity of WKB theory or geometric optics, yet the wave power flux given by the theory is in clear disagreement with the predicted ray-trajectories. The paradox is traced to the large anti-Hermitian parts of the dielectric tensor near resonance. The latter are shown to modify the wave power flux. The modified flux is in agreement with the ray-trajectories. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.