Radially Localized Measurements of Superthermal Electrons Using Obilique Ece

In the effort to design a tokamak which will make a more compact and economically attractive fusion energy reactor, tokamak regimes are envisioned in which radial profiles of the density, temperature, and current are controlled. Lower Hybrid Current Drive is one of the most flexible and proven means of controlling the plasma current profile. In order to develop a better understanding of how, to what extent, and under what conditions LHCD can be used to tailor the current profile, the radial profile and velocity distribution of the fast current-carrying electrons and their time evolution must be known. Spacially localized information about the fast electron distribution function is difficult to obtain. The electron calcitrant resonance, through its sensitivity to the magnetic field as well as to the frequency and angle of observation, provides a means of probing the fast electron distribution function in detail. A new and unique diagnostic has been developed, installed, and operated on the PBX -M tokamak to measure the Electron Cyclotron Emission from these fast electrons. An oblique horizontal view of upshifted cyclotron emission in the midplane gives radial as well as velocity space information about the fast electrons by utilizing the sensitivity of the electron cyclotron resonance. Emission in extraordinary (X)-mode at frequencies refracted by the right-hand cutoff is radially localized. An experiment has been performed in which quasi-X mode emission in the range 60-90 GHz is observed through a focusing gaussian lens antenna at a 57^ circ angle to the toroidal magnetic field. Using the sensitivity of the resonance condition to small changes in frequency and field, radially localized moments. E_ parallel, T_ |, n_{sth}, of the fast electron distribution function are found by a Bayesian analysis method. The evolution of the current profile obtained from these measurements is examined in detail. After the LHCD is turned off, the dynamics are found to be collisionally dominated, as expected, while also exhibiting a diffusion toward the center of the plasma. An oblique ECE measurement of this kind has significant application to other LHCD experiments in order to obtain radially localized information about the current profile evolution.