Phase measurements of fast wave toroidal eigenmodes
Abstract
Phase resolved techniques were used to investigate the resonances, or eigenmodes, formed when a radio frequency wave (the fast Alfven wave) propagates in a toroidal plasma. A resonant structure was formed where the parameters of the plasma and the RF excitation frequency, plus the physical dimensions of the torus determined where the eigenmodes occur. At an eigenmode, the radio frequency wave amplitude in the plasma was greatly increased due to the buildup of oscillations within the torus. The exciting source supplied only the losses due to wave dissipation in the plasma and vessel walls. The relatively large stored energy was passed back and forth between the electric and magnetic fields of the radio frequency plasma wave. A large amount of energy was coupled into the plasma at an eigenmode resource. This energy was absorbed via several mechanisms within the plasma, resulting in a gain in kinetic energy by the plasma particles.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- February 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979PhDT........28K
- Keywords:
-
- Eigenvalues;
- Plasma Heating;
- Resonant Frequencies;
- Toroidal Plasmas;
- Cyclotron Resonance Devices;
- Kinetic Energy;
- Plasma Control;
- Plasma Waves;
- Tokamak Devices;
- Plasma Physics