Interaction of energetic alpha particles with intense lower hybrid waves

Abstract

Lower hybrid waves are a demonstrated, continuous means of driving toroidal current in a tokamak. When these waves propagate in a tokamak fusion reactor, in which there are energetic \ensuremath{\alpha} particles, there are conditions under which the \ensuremath{\alpha} particles do not appreciably damp, and may even amplify, the wave, thereby enhancing the current-drive effect. Waves traveling in one poloidal direction, in addition to being directed in one toroidal direction, are shown to be the most efficient drivers of current in the presence of the energetic \ensuremath{\alpha} particles.