Efficient current drive by mode-converted ion-Bernstein waves

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.53423· OSTI ID:580270

Ram, A K; Bers, A ^[1]

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1. Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)

The rapid changes in k{sub {parallel}}, due to toroidal propagation, of mode-converted ion-Bernstein waves (IBW) can lead to a loss in the unidirectionality of the initial ICRF spectrum. This will lead to a reduction in the current drive efficiency. From numerical modelling of TFTR scenarios, we find that if, at mode conversion, {vert_bar}k{sub {parallel}}{vert_bar}{lt}k{sub c} where {omega}/(k{sub c}v{sub te}){approx}1.3, {omega} is the ICRF frequency, and v{sub te} is the electron thermal velocity near the mode conversion region, then the IBWs damp on electrons without loss of unidirectionality of the spectrum. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-91ER54109
• OSTI ID: 580270
• Report Number(s): CONF-9704102--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 403; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
BERNSTEIN MODE
ICR HEATING
MODE CONVERSION
NON-INDUCTIVE CURRENT DRIVE
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
TOKAMAK DEVICES