Fundamental Resonance Ion Cyclotron Heating in the Phaedrus Plug Mirrors.

A series of experiments have been performed using ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) at the fundamental cyclotron resonance in the plug mirrors of the Phaedrus Tandem Mirror at the University of Wisconsin. The results of these experiments and an analysis of the results are presented in this thesis. The important role which ICRH may play in tandem mirror development and the consequent need for an experimental test have motivated this research. By coupling up to 50 kw of 3 MHz RF power to the plug plasma the average ion energy was increased from approximately 100 eV to 700 to 1000 eV. Associated effects on electron temperature and particle confinement were also observed. The ion heating was found to be consistent with previously developed theoretical descriptions of field penetration and stochastic heating.