We describe a new technique for the effcient generation of high-energy ions with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in multi-ion plasmas. The discussed 'three-ion' scenarios are especially suited for strong wave absorption by a very low number of resonant ions. To observe this effect, the plasma composition has to be properly adjusted, as prescribed by theory. We demonstrate the potential of the method on the world-largest plasma magnetic confinement device, JET (Joint European Torus, Culham, UK), and the high-magnetic-field tokamak Alcator C-Mod (Cambridge, USA). The obtained results demonstrate effcient acceleration of3He ions to high energies in dedicated hydrogen-deuterium mixtures. Simultaneously, effective plasma heating is observed, as a result of the slowing-down of the fast3He ions. The developed technique is not only limited to laboratory plasmas, but can also be applied to explain observations of energetic ions in space-plasma environments, in particular,3He-rich solar flares.

Effcient generation of energetic ions in multi-ion plasmas by radio-frequency heating

Formisano, A.;Mattei, M.;
2017

Abstract

We describe a new technique for the effcient generation of high-energy ions with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in multi-ion plasmas. The discussed 'three-ion' scenarios are especially suited for strong wave absorption by a very low number of resonant ions. To observe this effect, the plasma composition has to be properly adjusted, as prescribed by theory. We demonstrate the potential of the method on the world-largest plasma magnetic confinement device, JET (Joint European Torus, Culham, UK), and the high-magnetic-field tokamak Alcator C-Mod (Cambridge, USA). The obtained results demonstrate effcient acceleration of3He ions to high energies in dedicated hydrogen-deuterium mixtures. Simultaneously, effective plasma heating is observed, as a result of the slowing-down of the fast3He ions. The developed technique is not only limited to laboratory plasmas, but can also be applied to explain observations of energetic ions in space-plasma environments, in particular,3He-rich solar flares.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11591/385270
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