Observation of Electron Bernstein Wave Heating in a Reversed Field Pinch

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Fusion Energy Research
• Magnetic Confinement Fusion

Background:

• Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) devices are a type of magnetic confinement fusion configuration.
• Radio-frequency (rf) heating is a crucial technique for heating plasma in fusion devices.
• Electron Bernstein Waves (EBW) offer a potential method for localized plasma heating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first observation of rf heating in an RFP using EBW.
• To investigate the propagation and heating of EBW in a stochastic magnetic field.
• To characterize the suprathermal electron tail generated by EBW heating and probe edge transport properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) experiment.
• Employing novel diagnostic techniques to measure suprathermal electrons during EBW heating.
• Analyzing electron loss rates in the presence of intense Ohmic heating.

Main Results:

• Successful observation of rf heating in an RFP using EBW.
• Demonstrated propagation and heating of EBW within a stochastic magnetic field.
• Measured electron loss rates indicating large noncollisional radial diffusivity.

Conclusions:

• EBW heating is feasible in RFP plasmas, even within stochastic magnetic fields.
• The generated suprathermal electrons provide a valuable tool for probing RFP edge transport.
• Noncollisional transport mechanisms play a significant role in RFP edge physics.