Observation of a Plasma Current Driven by rf Waves at the Electron Cyclotron Resonance in the Culham Levitron

Abstract

The observation of a plasma current generated by the absorption of rf waves at the electron cyclotron resonance is reported. The current flows in opposite directions on opposite sides of the electron-cyclotron-resonance position, confirming that the current is driven by asymmetric heating of the electron distribution function. The current (\ensuremath{\sim}30 mA/W) varies linearly with microwave power and electron temperature and inversely with electron density.