Experimental observations of mode-converted ion cyclotron waves in a tokamak plasma by phase contrast imaging.
The process of mode conversion, whereby an externally launched electromagnetic wave converts into a shorter wavelength mode(s) in a thermal plasma near a resonance in the index of refraction, is particularly important in a multi-ion species plasma near the ion cyclotron frequency. Using phase contrast imaging techniques (PCI), mode-converted electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves have been detected for the first time in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak near the H-3He ion-ion hybrid resonance region during high power rf heating experiments. The results agree with theoretical predictions.
Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. eric.nelson-melby@epfl.ch
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Nelson-Melby
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Porkolab
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Bonoli
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Lin
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Mazurenko
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Wukitch