Numerical study of magnetic island suppression by RF waves in large tokamaks

Abstract

The suppression behaviour of magnetic island growth using electron cyclotron heating and lower hybrid current drive is analysed. A quasi-linear model is developed for island suppression, including the local peaking effect of the resistivity and the RF-driven current within the island. Pulsed launching of lower hybrid waves synchronized with the plasma diamagnetic rotation frequency can strongly suppress the magnetic island.