Advanced ponderomotive description of electron acceleration in ICRF discharge initiation

Tom Wauters, Matej Tripský, Anatoli Lyssoivan, Fabrice Louche, Sören Möller, Riccardo Ragona, Dirk Van Eester

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

This contribution proposes a new approach for the ponderomotive description of electron acceleration in ICRF discharge initiation. The motion of electrons in the parallel electric field Ez is separated into a fast oscillation and a slower drift around the oscillation centre. Three terms are maintained in the Taylor expansion of the electric field (0th, 1st and 2nd order). The efficiency for electron acceleration by Ez (z, t) is then assessed by comparing the values of these terms at the slow varying coordinate z0. When (i) the 0th order term is not significantly larger than 1st order term at the reflection point, or when (ii) the 2nd order term is negative and not sufficiently small compared to the 1st order term at the reflection point, then the electron will gain energy in the reflection. An example for plasma production by the TOMAS ICRF system is given. Following the described conditions it can be derived that plasma production is (i) most efficient close to the antenna straps (few cm's) where the field gradient and amplitude are large, and (ii) that the lower frequency field accelerates electrons more easily for a given antenna voltage.

Original languageEnglish
Article number03064
JournalEPJ Web of Conferences
Volume157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2017
Event22nd Topical Conference on Radio-Frequency Power in Plasmas 2017 - Aix en Provence, France
Duration: 30 May 20172 Jun 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Advanced ponderomotive description of electron acceleration in ICRF discharge initiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this