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

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 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
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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