Subcyclotron Instability of Alfven Eigenmodes due to Energetic Ions in Low Aspect Ratio Plasmas
High-frequency modes with frequencies below the fundamental cyclotron frequency of thermal ions were observed in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). Based on the measured spectrum of high-frequency modes they are identified as Compressional Alfven Eigenmodes (CAEs) and Global Alfven Eigenmodes (GAEs). CAEs have similar time evolution as plasma parameters change, while GAEs may intersect due to q-profile relaxation. A theory has been developed to study the properties of these modes. Both types of instabilities are driven by the tangential neutral-beam injection in NSTX. Beam ions excite CAEs/GAEs through the Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonance. The main source for the drive is the velocity space anisotropy of the beam ion distribution function. Simulations of the effect CAEs/GAEs may have on plasma ions indicate that these modes may provide a channel for efficient energy transfer from fast ions directly to thermal ions.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH03073
- OSTI ID:
- 814748
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-3857; TRN: US0304347
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 21 Aug 2003
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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