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

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.

Bulk ion heating with ICRF waves in tokamaks

“…in the plasma ramp up phase when the fast tritium tail ions may become too energetic for efficient bulk ion heating [1][2][3]. The bulk ion heating capabilities of the ω = ω( 3 He) = 2 ω T scenario were successfully demonstrated in the 1990's in the flagship deuterium-tritium (D-T) campaigns in TFTR [4,5] and in JET [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Subsequently, 3 He minority heating has become a standard tool on JET to provide bulk ion heating without net toroidal torque for ITER physics studies, c.f.…”

Development of slow and fast wave coupling and heating from the C-Stellarator to NSTX

“…10 [15,16]. For this case of P RF = 5.5 MW with P NBI = 23.5 MW (60% T), the ICRF majority tritium heating at 2Ω ct resulted in temperature increments of ΔT i (0) = 9 keV and ΔT e (0) = 2.6 keV.…”

“…Mode conversion heating and current drive with outside launch were also demonstrated on TFTR [17,16]. The electron heating for a 3 He - 4 He case with P RF = 4.4 MW resulted in T e (0) doubling to 6 keV and T e approximately doubling across the profile as well.…”

Review of D-T Experiments Relevant to Burning Plasma Issues

“…In these experiments, the ICRF power was applied to a neutral beam heated discharge [37][38]. Measurements of the power deposition were found to be in good agreement with theoretical models [39]. Near the end of the D-T campaign on TFTR, mode conversion heating with the mode conversion layer in the plasma core, where the ion temperatures were in excess of 30keV, was studied.…”