A spectroscopic electric field vector imaging diagnostic for electron cyclotron heating systems

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Wave-Particle Interactions
• Computational Electromagnetics

Background:

• Accurate computational models are crucial for understanding plasma phenomena like Electron Cyclotron (EC) wave propagation and absorption.
• Experimental validation of these 3D full-wave simulations is essential for identifying missing physics and enhancing model fidelity.
• Direct measurement of the wave electric field vector provides critical data for this validation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel diagnostic system for imaging the Electron Cyclotron (EC) wave electric field vector.
• To enable direct experimental validation of 3D full-wave simulation codes.
• To facilitate real-time monitoring of EC waves in experimental setups.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a diagnostic system designed for high spatial (100 μm) and temporal (100 μs) resolution.
• Acquiring filtered images of polarized spectral satellites associated with EC waves.
• Measuring the wave electric field vector experimentally.

Main Results:

• The developed diagnostic successfully images the EC wave electric field vector.
• The system provides experimental data suitable for direct comparison with 3D full-wave simulations.
• The diagnostic achieves the targeted spatial and temporal resolution.

Conclusions:

• The new diagnostic offers a high-fidelity platform for validating computational models of EC waves.
• This approach accelerates the identification of deficiencies in current simulation physics.
• The system can be employed for real-time monitoring, enhancing experimental control and understanding.