Theory of electron cyclotron resonance heating of tokamak plasmas
Journal
Physics of Fluids
Journal Volume
23
Journal Issue
5
Pages
1031-1045
Date Issued
1980
Author(s)
Abstract
A theoretical study of tokamak plasma heating by electron cyclotron resonance is presented. The density limitations imposed by accessibility are first reviewed. Then, the predictions of linear theory (including relativistic effects on the wave absorption) are examined via solutions of the ray equations in a toroidal tokamak equilibrium. These solutions indicate quite favorable characteristics for large tokamaks. Finally, the possibilities of scattering of the incident heating wave by existing drift-wave-type fluctuations and excitation of parametric instability are examined; it is tentatively concluded that parametric instabilities should not be important in typical situations of interest. © 1980 American Institute of Physics.
Type
journal article