  Propagation and absorption of electromagnetic waves with electron cyclotron
resonance (ECR) frequency are experimentally and theoretically investigated for
the case of inhomogeneously magnetized plasma column with peripheral vacuum
layer, when a left-hand polarized wave (LHPW) is selectively launched. The
polarization reversal from the LHPW to the right-hand polarized wave is found
to occur near the ECR point. As a result, it is clarified that the LHPW, which
has been considered not to be absorbed at the ECR point, is absorbed near the
ECR point. The phenomena can be explained by taking into account the effects of
the radial boundary conditions. In addition, it is found that the polarization
reversal point can be adjusted by the external parameters, for example, plasma
radius.
