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Lower hybrid wave propagation and absorption in inhomogeneous plasmas

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866621· OSTI ID:7043728
The high-frequency dielectric tensor for a cold, multispecies, current-carrying plasma is derived in straight-tokamak geometry, including both toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in the equilibrium. Propagation and resonant absorption of lower hybrid waves in an inhomogeneous plasma column are investigated. The earlier treatment of Grossman and Weitzner (Phys. Fluids 27, 1699 (1984)) of the resonant-layer solutions, power absorption and energy partition, and accessibility of the lower hybrid wave is generalized to include the effects of mode propagation parallel to the magnetic field and of an equilibrium plasma current. In particular, the density gradient coupled to the finite poloidal mode number and parallel wavenumber allows the lower hybrid wave to reach the hybrid layer, unlike the case of an infinite homogeneous plasma. Finally, the eigenvalue problem is solved for a homogeneous plasma column carrying zero current, and surrounded by a vacuum region delimited by a perfectly conducting shell.
Research Organization:
Plasma Physics Section, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Block AF, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Calcutta 700064, India
OSTI ID:
7043728
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 31:8; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English