Ion cyclotron range of frequencies heating and current drive in deuterium–tritium plasmas

TLDR

Observations confirm that ion cyclotron heating of D–T plasmas aligns with model predictions. Mode‑conversion current drive in D–T plasmas was modeled and tested in D–3He–4He experiments. Initial experiments on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor demonstrated efficient core second‑harmonic tritium heating and electron heating via fast‑wave to ion‑Bernstein‑wave mode conversion, with directed propagation of the converted waves linked to antenna phasing.

Abstract

The first experiments utilizing high-power radio waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies to heat deuterium–tritium (D–T) plasmas have been completed on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor [Fusion Technol. 21, 13 (1992)]. Results from the initial series of experiments have demonstrated efficient core second harmonic tritium (2ΩT) heating in parameter regimes approaching those anticipated for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [D. E. Post, Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, Proceedings of the 13th International Conference, Washington, DC, 1990 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1991), Vol. 3, p. 239]. Observations are consistent with modeling predictions for these plasmas. Efficient electron heating via mode conversion of fast waves to ion Bernstein waves has been observed in D–T, deuterium-deuterium (D–D), and deuterium–helium-4 (D–4He) plasmas with high concentrations of minority helium-3 (3He) (n3He/ne≳10%). Mode conversion current drive in D–T plasmas was simulated with experiments conducted in D–3He–4He plasmas. Results show a directed propagation of the mode converted ion Bernstein waves, in correlation with the antenna phasing.