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

Miscellaneous · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6094852

Browning, J J

It is demonstrated in the Phaedrus-B tandem mirror that radio-frequency (rf) waves applied below the ion cyclotron frequency (0.65 {le} {omega}/{Omega}{sub i} {le} 0.8) can stabilize a mirror plasma against the curvature driven interchange instability by means of the ponderomotive force. Data indicate that the m{sub MHD} = {minus}1 instability mode is stabilized and that higher order modes (m{sub MHD} {ge} 2) at high frequencies (20-25 kHZ) are present. Measurements of the radial profiles of the rf magnetic fields at a number and axial locations as well as measurements of the parallel wave number and azimuthal mode number indicate that the plasma is stable when the m{sub rf} = -1 slow shear Alfven wave is preferentially excited using a rotating field antenna set. When the m{sub rf} = +1 fast magnetosonic wave is excited, the plasma is unstable. Measurements of the rf magnetic fields at frequencies below 0.75{Omega}{sub i} indicate attenuation of the waves by gas baffles and a gas box.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6094852
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
STABILIZATION
TANDEM MIRRORS
ALFVEN WAVES
CYCLOTRON FREQUENCY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES
PONDEROMOTIVE FORCE
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
RADIATIONS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities