ICRF Physics Measurements by Reflectometry

Abstract

In magnetically confined plasmas, the applicaton of radio frequency (RF) waves is considered to be one of the most promising methods for additional heating in present and future thermonuclear fusion experiments such as ITER. The physics of wave excitation and propagation in the ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) is under intensive experimental and theoretical investigation for efficient heating. The ICRF-wave studies have also been performed for understanding mechanisms associated with a variety of processes such as Alfvén wave current drive,¹ RF-induced radial transport,² RF stabilization of plasmas,³ as well as plasma heating.