Stabilization of Interchange Modes in Mirror Plasma Devices by Radio-Frequency Sideband Coupling

Abstract

We present results from an analysis of the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) wave interactions with flute-interchange modes. The analysis is valid for an arbitrary wave vector of the ICRF waves, and shows that these modes can be stabilized by ICRF sideband coupling to them. The modes can be stabilized in a variety of ways, depending on details of the ICRF wave structure. We also find a new rf-driven fluid instability for a range of parallel (to the magnetic field) rf wavelengths.