Mode coupling between ICRF waves propagating outside the B-∇B plane

The conductivity tensor is obtained directly from the perturbed Vlasov equation for a plasma in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The conductivity tensor elements are obtained consistently to all orders in the ''perpendicular wavenumbers'' and to first order in the equilibrium magnetic field gradient. Conditions on the parallel wavenumber and the magnetic field gradient for which such a method is valid are given. The wave differential operator is obtained from the conductivity tensor using Maxwell's equations. The coupled differential equations are then truncated to second order to model the case of minority and second harmonic ion cyclotron heating. The forms of the electromagnetic and kinetic power flows and the minority and majority cyclotron damping are obtained simply. (author)