Dependence of the fast waves-plasma interactions in pre-heated spherical tokamaks on the antenna location and poloidal extension

Full Text:In the magnetically confined fusion devices, externally launched e.m. waves are used, e.g., for heating, non-inductive current drive and turbulent transport suppression barriers. In view of the complexity of these processes, it is desirable to assist the planning of the actual experiments by reliable theoretical (computational) studies. This work aims to (i) assess the effect of antenna position and extension on the fast waves-plasma interactions in pre-heated spherical tokamaks and consequently, (ii) to further the physical understanding as well as to determine optimal conditions in order to achieve the imposed goals. Thus, using as a study case the spherical tokamak START, we considered the following antenna positions and extensions: (a) low field side location and iT±π/4 poloidal extension; (b) above and below middle-plane locations (two separate sections) and extending (each) π/2; (c) (hypothetical) circular, 2π-extension. We solved the full wave equations in order to consistently determine the global e.m. field for Alfvinic modes in inhomogeneous, non-uniformly magnetized, resistive, small aspect ratio tokamak plasma in the presence of externally launched fast waves. The global approach consists of simultaneous treatment of the plasma-vacuum-external RF source-vacuum-metal wall configuration with the appropriate consideration of wave propagation, transmission, absorption and mode conversion; in this, no simplifying approximations or small parameter extension are used. Illustrative results of these investigations will be presented and discussed