Fast wave current drive

Abstract

Fast wave current drive is demonstrated in the Princeton BCT-I toroid.»X device. The fast Alfven wave, in the range of high ion-cyclotron harmonics, produced 40 A of current from 1 kw of rf power coupled into the plasma by a fast wave loop antenna. This wave excites a steady current by damping on the energetic tail of the electron distribution function in the same way as lower-hybrid current drive, except that fast wave current drive is appropriate for higher plasma densities. PPPL-2238 DE85 015307 Process rfijcioto, "•*• "MPfelMBs, or uJT ** °r "*"mcs ajiv I V? ' " 0r ™V of H~,v