ABSTRACT
This work describes the scientific basis and associated simulation results for the magnetization of an unmagnetized plasma via beat-wave current drive. Two-dimensional electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations have been performed for a variety of angles between the injected waves to demonstrate beat-wave generation in agreement with theoretical predictions of the beat-wave wave vector and saturation time, revealing new 2D effects. The simulations clearly demonstrate electron acceleration by the beat waves and resultant current drive and magnetic field generation. The basic process depends entirely on the angle between the parent waves and the ratio of the beat-wave phase velocity to the electron thermal velocity. The wave to magnetic energy conversion efficiency of the cases examined is as high as 0.2%. The technique could enable novel plasma experiments in which the use of magnetic coils is infeasible.
ABSTRACT
We describe ab initio, self-consistent, 3D, fully electromagnetic numerical simulations of current drive and field-reversed-configuration plasma formation by odd-parity rotating magnetic fields (RMF{o}). Magnetic-separatrix formation and field reversal are attained from an initial mirror configuration. A population of punctuated-betatron-orbit electrons, generated by the RMF{o}, carries the majority of the field-normal azimuthal electrical current responsible for field reversal. Appreciable current and plasma pressure exist outside the magnetic separatrix whose shape is modulated by the RMF{o} phase. The predicted plasma density and electron energy distribution compare favorably with RMF{o} experiments.
