Locking of neoclassical tearing modes by error fields and its stabilization by RF current

The locking of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) by error fields is studied numerically. In the regime with low mode frequency and large plasma viscosity, the required field amplitude for mode locking is found to be proportional to the plasma viscosity and the mode frequency but inversely proportional to the square of the magnetic island width and the Alfven velocity, being similar to that of the classical tearing mode. This indicates that NTMs will be locked to low amplitude error fields in a fusion reactor. The stabilization of NTMs by RF current in the presence of a static helical field is therefore further investigated. The applied helical field allows one to control the location of the island's o-point to be in the RF wave deposition region, to enable the NTM stabilization by RF current after mode locking. When the island is large enough to be locked by a small amplitude helical field in the desired phase, the island is reduced to a smaller width by RF current compared with the case without the helical field. This suggests a possible way to enhance the stabilization of NTMs by RF current