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Parametric decay into ion cyclotron waves and drift waves in multi-ion species plasma

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863185· OSTI ID:5157537
Parametric decay processes near the ion cyclotron frequency are investigated experimentally and theoretically in multi-ion species plasmas. The relevant theoretical dispersion relation of the parametric coupling is derived, including the ion drift motion. Experimental data obtained in the Princeton L-4 device verify these theoretical predictions in some detail. In a helium-neon plasma, the relative ion drift motion excites electrostatic ion cyclotron waves (the kinetic ion-ion hybrid mode) when ..omega../sub 0/>..cap omega../sub He/ +..cap omega../sub Ne/. In a region of large density gradient, the ion drift motion also excites low-frequency drift waves when ..omega../sub 0/>..cap omega../sub He/+..omega..*. The experimental data are found to agree well with the theory. The relevance of these processes to ion cyclotron heating of fusion plasmas is discussed.
Research Organization:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08455
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-3073
OSTI ID:
5157537
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 23:8; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English