Interchange stabilization of a mirror plasma using radio-frequency waves below the ion cyclotron frequency

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866807· OSTI ID:5341455

Browning, J J; Majeski, R; Intrator, T; Hershkowitz, N; Meassick, S

It is demonstrated that radio-frequency (rf) waves applied below the ion cyclotron frequency (..omega../..cap omega../sub i/approx. =0.75) can stabilize a mirror plasma against the interchange instability. A set of phased antennas in the Phaedrus-B tandem mirror central cell (Phys. Rev. Lett. 59, 206 (1987)) is used to select the rf azimuthal mode number (m). When the m = -1 mode is selected, the ponderomotive force from the left-hand polarized wave fields is sufficient to stabilize the plasma. Measurements of the rf mode number and of the wave polarization indicate strong excitation of m = -1 modes with much of the wave having a left-hand polarization.

• Research Organization: Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
• OSTI ID: 5341455
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 31:4; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
ANTENNAS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CYCLOTRON FREQUENCY
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
FLUTE INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY
IONS
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
STABILIZATION
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES