Plasma Heating by the Fast Hydromagnetic Wave

Abstract

The fast (right-handed) hydromagnetic wave is generated by a Stix coil installed on the Model C stellarator. Maximum wave generation and heating occurs, as expected, under conditions such that the wavelength of the propagating wave equals the wavelength of the coil structure. Measurements of diamagnetic pressure determine the efficiency for conversion of rf power into thermal energy. Theoretical calculations of heating rates shows that plasma resistivity and Landau damping are insufficient to account for the observed heating rates if only the body wave is considered. Introduction of surface waves associated with finite electron mass results in increased Ez fields which enhance the heating rate.